Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, 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 stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, 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 host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.