After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment 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 cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, 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 began this game a bit 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 a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - 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 eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy 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 joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.