After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses 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 suspense.

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

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, 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 total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

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 lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented 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 competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

This task saw them destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

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," said a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.