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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," 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 making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.