After weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "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 described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, 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.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing 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 hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted 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.

"Such an emotional journey. 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 best friend in an early episode - 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 recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.