Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

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

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear 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.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition 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 player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player 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 made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

This task saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

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

The remaining traitor appeared 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."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

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.