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

Spoiler alert - This piece discloses key moments from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw murders, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that cut through all suspense.

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

From 19 contestants, only five remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the prize.

Before long, the field narrowed to only three contenders: the remaining contestants.

In the end, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a surprising outcome that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, I'm so sorry," he exclaimed, admitting to the remaining faithfuls that he was actually 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 the news. "The worst deceiver being the most effective player," commented one user.

"There could not have been a better conclusion," stated another, while a third described it as "the television highlight of the year."

His chosen charity, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the total amount amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution from comic relief to strategic player was among the most memorable aspects of the season.

But his win still left the nation in shock, according to entertainment reporters.

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

On subsequent discussions, the other contestants summed up why no one had ever really suspected him.

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

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

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

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

The final installment was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as every celebrity were aware who would appear at the morning gathering.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, 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 the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've eliminated beloved figures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

Meanwhile, a different player noted that being in the final was "significantly more pressure 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, various contestants seemed to be attempting to become the fashion standout of the castle, taking over from an earlier departed style leader.

The winner appeared at the morning meal looking like a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

But he was outstyled by a fellow player's maroon velvet tuxedo. Impressive style.

Following this was the challenge, with the final players boarding a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them ripping up portraits of former contestants. Have sympathy for one participant who managed to get hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, the moment arrived for the elimination discussion.

The deceivers did a pinky promise beforehand, vowing to stick together. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while their partner just giggled.

However, one did stick to his promise. But, having slipped under the radar for most of the game, their partner still got the most votes.

The remaining traitor appeared he was in significant distress to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Online platforms and onlookers were similarly upset.

"I did NOT want that player to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," said a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," wrote a different viewer.

However, there remained no time to dwell on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - this being what we were really all here for.

The last players stood over the fire pit. And the alliance collapsed, precisely when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

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

"This pains me to be betrayed last minute like that," said the ousted contestant. Later, it was revealed that when they message, the eliminated contestant refers to the other as a traitor.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the game. So did a different player, and it all came down to the third, who did the same - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

According to commentators, the scene where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for memorable moment at television honors," they commented.

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and could finally appreciate his victory.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am a winner," the winner said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his best friend in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the concluding moments and making contact.

"You've got something on your face," he said, with his trademark giggle.

The recent episodes of celebrity gossiping, scheming and the occasional unexpected moments may seem like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.