After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

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

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as 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 remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

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

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

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

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

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

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

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began this game a bit of a nervous wreck. 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 thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

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

But he was outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Before long, 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 won't throw him under a bus," said one, while the other simply laughed.

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 remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

However, there remained no time to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who turned against them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.