Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

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

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

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly 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 England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers 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 a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed 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.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

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