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

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

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

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

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

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

However, there remained no time to dwell 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 broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

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

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.