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

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - 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 multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

A player 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," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.