After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

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 shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

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

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

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

"He might have come down 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 someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors 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 their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor 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, 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," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant 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 ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over 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, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.