Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third called it "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.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely 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 the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared 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. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

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

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally 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 characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.