After weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects 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 a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, 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," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

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

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter 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, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.