After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

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

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

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

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," 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. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

A player was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter 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 famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.