After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

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

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like 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 burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

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

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

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players 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 everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.