Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, 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 more deceptive and player than I believed."

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

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

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," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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 like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.