Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

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

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

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.