After weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

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

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

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

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

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation 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."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

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

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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

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

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

But there was no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, 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 winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.