Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," 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."

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

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have come down 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 vote for a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

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

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.