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

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming tension.

However on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition emerged triumphant.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and loyal players facing off for the prize.

Soon, the competition tightened to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking result that went viral and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls 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 this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while a third called it "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount reaching £87,500.

Alan Carr's transformation from comic relief to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the series.

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

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in a green cloak and I still wouldn't have thought he was a traitor. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"The majority didn't vote for him because how does one eliminate someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

True to form, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "way more stressful than playing for a national team", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting 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, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the remaining contestants boarding a locomotive called - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought 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.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, 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 got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared to be experiencing significant distress to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - after a shock vote from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be betrayed at the final moment like that," said the eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, just three players remained in the game: the last participants.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the third, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

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