After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

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

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

From 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising 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'm an awful human being."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so loveable?" questioned another celebrity.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

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

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them destroying portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't betray him," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

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

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

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

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

He also made light of that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.