After weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else 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 fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get 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 beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.