Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening 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 key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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 joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.