Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses 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 suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

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

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

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear 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.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy 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 made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.