Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally 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 characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.