After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral 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 one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work again!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

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

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.