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

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been 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 the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players 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 deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

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

The final episode was extended to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.