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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

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

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

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

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"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. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most 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 unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"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 endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, 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 said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.