After weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

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

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, 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'm an awful human being."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" questioned 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 a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

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