Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

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

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed 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. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude 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.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.