After weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

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

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

This task involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely 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 turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.