After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting end

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

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that cut through all tension.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"This has been destroying me, my apologies," he exclaimed, revealing to the other players that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they consoled him. "It's all right."

Social media immediately exploded with this development. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated a different person, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained the reasons nobody had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

"Most people didn't vote for him because how can you vote for someone who is so charming?" questioned another celebrity.

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

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

Thursday evening's episode was extended to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

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

"Let's face it, I began this game as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures openly. I'm clearly more deceptive and traitor than I thought."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, several players seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a vintage television personality in a checked maroon suit, later switching into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - naturally - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge saw them ripping up images of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant 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 did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped unnoticed for the majority of the competition, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," 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, precisely when it mattered the most, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Ultimately, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the deceiver was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I anticipate it could be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they commented.

Happily, the winner soon recovered from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate the moment.

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

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - 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 characteristic laugh.

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.