After weeks of tension, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet 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 feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted 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 target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

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

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid 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 come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, 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 viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

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

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - 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 characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.