Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses 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 all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players 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 this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast 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 does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

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

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.