Following weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling finale

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

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

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive 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 season.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

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

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

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

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover 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 throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

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

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"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 joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.