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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

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

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. 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 a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

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

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

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

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - 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 celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.