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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

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

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

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

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

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

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

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

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player'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 involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

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

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by 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 moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host 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, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.