Following multiple episodes of tension, plots and sabotage, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a nail-biting end

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

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, betrayals, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced all tension.

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

From nineteen participants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

In the end, funny man Alan Carr emerged as the champion, in a shocking outcome that broke the internet and made him tearful.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I feel terrible about this."

"You did brilliantly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

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," wrote another, while a third described it as "the TV moment of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive the entire winnings, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

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 in shock, according to industry observers.

"The thought of him, among everyone, executing an expert performance in deception felt about as likely as him keeping composure through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. I was too busy laughing," 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 program.

"I'd like to do it again... I doubt it would be successful a second time!"

The final episode was lengthened to 70 minutes on television. There was a different start 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 soundtrack, as we recapped key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

As ever, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I started this game as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered national treasures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and player 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 lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players boarding a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

This task involved ripping up images of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who was hit in the head THREE times by the cover of a substantial container.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. Yet, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, 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'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, without direction."

Social media and viewers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented an observer.

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

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance broke down, just when it mattered the most, in an absolutely shocking development.

A player was painfully banished - after a shock vote from their ally, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls their former ally as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. The same decision was made by a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the deceiver emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Fortunately, the winner quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and now I stand a winner," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. And we will miss it.