Following weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

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

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

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

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. 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 elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.