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

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

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

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

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by industry observers.

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

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal 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 target him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"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 television. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

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.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

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

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

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 deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.