After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

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

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

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

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

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

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

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

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

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination 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 a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.