Following weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "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 described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up 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 deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "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. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

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

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.