After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, 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.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.