Following weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Online platforms quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware 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 some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

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

A player 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 like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, 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.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host 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, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.