Following weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

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

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit 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."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

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

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

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

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

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

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.