Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," 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. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

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

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

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

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

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

Before long, it was time 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 throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

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

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.