Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, 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 edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"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'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew 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.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.