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

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated 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 total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

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

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players 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 looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, 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 competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure 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 here I am the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.