Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, 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 did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution 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 industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment 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.

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

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

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

Meanwhile, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

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 outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

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

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.