Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming tension.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

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

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

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

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful a second time!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said 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 were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

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