Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive 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 season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed 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 loveable?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"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 eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed 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 another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to 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 "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.