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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't 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, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal 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 vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work again!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs 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.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

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

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

But there was little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.