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

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

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

Soon, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, 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 remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

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

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire 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 a person so charming?" asked another celebrity.

Carr said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the program.

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their ally, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

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

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.