After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

Yet on Thursday night, the final winner of the first celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of nineteen participants, only five remained: Deceivers and loyal players competing for the prize.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the remaining contestants.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, 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'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

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

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"He might have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you eliminate a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I started the competition a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

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

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

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated a player, while the other just giggled.

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

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

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," said an observer.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," wrote another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

A player was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute in that manner," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

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 made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," the winner said.

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

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.