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

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

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

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

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

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

During follow-up conversations, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

And one did stick to their agreement. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, the game reached the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

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

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. 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.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. And we will miss it.