Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have come down to breakfast 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 someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.