Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

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

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, 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, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to 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 series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast 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 can you vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing 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. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other 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'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene 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 surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.