After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

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

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

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

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," 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 concluding moments and making contact.

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

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