Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

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

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

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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 wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

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

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," said one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing 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 similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.