After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

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

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else 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 amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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 a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

But he was 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 Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, 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 banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.