After weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

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

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... 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 knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"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 murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

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