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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain 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 similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.