After weeks of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

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

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

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

Social media 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," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," said one, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, 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, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.