Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep 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 left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs 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 every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

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

This task involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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 it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.