Following multiple episodes of suspense, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling end

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from The Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, intense glares, and a memorable moment that pierced all suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

From 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Deceivers and faithfuls facing off for the prize.

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

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

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

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

Online platforms immediately exploded with the news. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

"It couldn't have been a better conclusion," wrote a different person, while someone else described it as "the TV moment of the year."

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

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the series.

However, his victory still left the nation surprised, according to entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, of all people, pulling off an expert performance in deceit felt just as probable as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

"He might have come down to the morning meal in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," a player said.

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

The winner stated he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work again!"

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on the network. It had a different start than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as the episode revisited some moments from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've thrown close allies to save myself, I've eliminated beloved figures openly. I'm clearly a better liar and traitor than I believed."

At the same time, a different player commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than competing with a national team", while someone else said he was "completely amazed" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players getting on board a locomotive called - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge involved ripping up portraits of former contestants. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit on the head THREE times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, vowing to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner simply laughed.

And one adhered to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for the majority of the competition, the other still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, without direction."

Online platforms and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. An endearing deceiver," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in the show's legacy," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to focus on this departure. Before long, they were at the final stage - which was what we were really all here for.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. Meanwhile, the partnership broke down, just when it was most crucial, in an absolutely shocking development.

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

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment in that manner," said the ousted contestant. Subsequently, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant calls the other as a traitor.

Ultimately, only three contestants were still competing: the last participants.

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, voted to end the game. So did another, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where remaining contestants comforted the winner was "beautiful TV". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they said.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his bout of tears, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, my expressions gave me away and now I stand a winner," the winner said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - 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 recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. And we will miss it.