After weeks of suspense, plots and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

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

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would work a second time!"

Thursday evening's episode was lengthened to over an hour on television. It had 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 soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal 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 burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

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 final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.