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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from 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 maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

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

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, 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 making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.