After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

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

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

In the end, 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, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver 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."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak 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 can you vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, 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 some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared 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 this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - 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, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.