Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

However on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

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

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

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

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said 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 installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

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

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from 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.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, 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'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

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

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

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