After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

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

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of nineteen participants, just a handful were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

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

"There could not have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching 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 series.

However, his victory still left the nation in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so loveable?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

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

"To be honest, I started the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at breakfast looking like a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - naturally - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't betray him," stated one, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

"Your legacy will remain in the show's legacy," posted a different viewer.

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

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it was most crucial, 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 at the final moment like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that when they message, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

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

He also joked about the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.