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

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Online platforms quickly erupted with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, 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 cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have come down to the morning meal 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 vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian 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 eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

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

And one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor looked like he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did another, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.