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

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

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

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

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he declared, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I feel terrible about this."

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount reaching 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.

But his win still shocked viewers in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would be successful again!"

Thursday evening's installment was extended to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the breakfast table.

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

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

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

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got out-jacketted by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," stated a player, while the other simply laughed.

However, one adhered to their agreement. But, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

But there was little opportunity to dwell on this departure. Before long, the game reached the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," remarked the eliminated player. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

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

Happily, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, 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," he said.

And he even made light of that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host 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 feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.