Following multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting finale

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

Throughout the season, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and a memorable moment that cut through all tension.

Yet on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the first Celebrity Traitors emerged triumphant.

Out of 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a shocking result that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting 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 quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the most effective player," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to eighty-seven thousand five hundred pounds.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to cold-hearted killer was one of the standout highlights of the series.

But his win still left the nation surprised, as noted by entertainment reporters.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," one participant said.

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

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

"I want to do it again... I doubt it would be successful again!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on television. It had an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the morning gathering.

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

As ever, the comedian provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown close allies under the bus, I've eliminated national treasures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for England", while another said he was "completely amazed" to have made it so far.

In the beginning of the finale, various contestants appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into an embellished light-colored outfit.

But he was outstyled by another contestant's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Next up was the competition, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up images of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors made a pact in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I won't throw him under a bus," said a player, while the other just giggled.

And one did stick to his promise. But, managing to stay under the radar for the majority of the competition, their partner still received the majority elimination votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "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 did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," wrote another user.

But there was no time to dwell on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four stood over the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, 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," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants remained in the game: the final trio.

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where the other players comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they commented.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

And he even made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may feel like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.