Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

The final episode was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like 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. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

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

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.