Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver 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 television highlight of the year."

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

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

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

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other by a betrayer's name.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and now I stand 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 making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.