Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.