After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a thrilling end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through the overwhelming suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

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

"You did brilliantly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount 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.

However, his victory still shocked viewers in shock, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely 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 the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" asked another celebrity.

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

"I want to do it again... I don't think it would be successful again!"

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

There was particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I began this game a bit of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and player than I believed."

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

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

Carr emerged at the morning meal resembling a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

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

Next up was the challenge, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

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

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

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

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four stood over the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict 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.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend 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 trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.