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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

However on Thursday night, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, revealing 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."

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive 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 season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

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

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, 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, before changing 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 remaining contestants boarding a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player 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.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, 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 here I am a winner," he said.

And he even 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.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.