After weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

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

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "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 someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire 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 can you vote for a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for 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 attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, 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 eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

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

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.