Following weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

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

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

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

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

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

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

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

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

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.