Following weeks of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players competing for the prize.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," 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. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote another, while someone else described it as "the television highlight of the year."

The organization he selected, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining composure through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained 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. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

"Most people didn't target him because how does one vote for a person so loveable?" asked a different contestant.

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

"I'd like to participate once more... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final episode was extended to over an hour on the network. It had a different start than usual, as all the celebs knew who would appear at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies to save myself, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I believed."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, various contestants appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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 outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. What a look.

Next up was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

This task involved ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a substantial container.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one adhered to his promise. Yet, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most 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 a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. A truly loveable traitor," commented a commentator.

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

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

The last players gathered around the fire pit. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

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

Ultimately, just three players 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 traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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, I had no poker face and now I stand the champion," he said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.