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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

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

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak 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 can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed 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 patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

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

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

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

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

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's 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 one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.