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

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

Before long, the competition tightened to just three: the remaining contestants.

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

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he declared, admitting to the other players that he was actually one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "Everything's fine."

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

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount reaching eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

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

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

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

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had truly doubted him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

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

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm more deceptive and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling 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 burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the competition, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.