After multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

Warning: spoilers ahead - This article reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to only three contenders: the final players.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral 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 a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

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

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," wrote a different person, while a third called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the final pot amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down 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.

"Most people didn't target him because how can you eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his time on the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final installment was lengthened to over an hour on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian gave us some of the most memorable lines.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I thought."

At the same time, a different player commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than competing with a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved destroying images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner simply laughed.

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

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

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

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

But there was no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, they were at the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and everything depended on the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and making contact.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.