Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

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

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could 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," a player said.

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

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

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

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

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host 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 famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.