After weeks of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

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

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

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

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

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress 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 onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end 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 scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," 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 touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.