After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first 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 final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear 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 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 to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion 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, 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 looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. 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 did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," 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.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

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

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. 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 partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"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.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.