After weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

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

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

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

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

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

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

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. 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 roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on this departure. Before long, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.