Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising 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'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

The final installment 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 breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

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

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

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

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while the other simply laughed.

However, 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 last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.