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

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the television highlight 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 giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, 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 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.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

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

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

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

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.