After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

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

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, 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.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

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

"He might have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you eliminate someone who is so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. There was a different start than usual, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion 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, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - naturally - The Traitors Express.

This task saw them destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

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

However, one did stick to his promise. 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 last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The last players stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership 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 ally, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," said 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.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be a contender for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, 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 that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - 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 recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.