Following multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article reveals key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the program.

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

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

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

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped 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 final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

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

He also made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.