Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

However, 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 to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

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

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.