After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared 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 does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

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

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

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

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.