After weeks of suspense, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, 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 one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

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

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" 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 looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

This task saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter 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 sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.