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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

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

"You played amazingly," 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.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. 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.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

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

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

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

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, 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 last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.