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

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment 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.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

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

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

"He might have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would work again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us 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 murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

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

The remaining traitor looked like 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, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

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

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.