After weeks of tension, schemes and sabotage, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

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

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

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

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

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I don't think it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

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

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host 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, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.