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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

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

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

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

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

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began this game as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.