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

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount 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 surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown 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 being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.