Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing 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."

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

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

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

This task involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, 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."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

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

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

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

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.