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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

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

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

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

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in 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 did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

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

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.