After weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal 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 target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

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

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - 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 last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.