Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

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

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result 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 was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, 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 thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.