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

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "It's all right."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for someone who is so charming?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than competing with England", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

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

The last deceiver appeared he was in significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

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

The final four stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the moment where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

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

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the presenter in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually all happen. It will be remembered fondly.