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

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"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 consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

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

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one eliminate a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his time on the program.

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

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

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped 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. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

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

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to the other as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they commented.

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

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.