After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

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

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"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," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I thought."

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

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," 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. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

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

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion 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 now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.