After multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

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

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

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

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

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

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.