Following weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, 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 comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination 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'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. 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 that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.