After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

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

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

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

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

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

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

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - 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, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared 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 viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion 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.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

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