After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon 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 a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

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

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter 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 celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.