Following weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

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

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.