Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

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

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

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

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally 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 last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.