Following weeks of tension, plots and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This piece discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

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

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs 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 each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

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

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

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid 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 won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, 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 final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, 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 deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.