After multiple episodes of suspense, plots and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors concludes with a thrilling finale

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

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

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

Out of 19 contestants, just a handful remained: Traitors and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the champion, in a surprising outcome that broke the internet and left him emotional.

"It's been tearing me apart, I'm so sorry," he declared, revealing to the remaining faithfuls that he'd always been one of the deceivers. "I'm an awful human being."

"You played amazingly," they comforted him. "Everything's fine."

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

"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, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot amounting to £87,500.

The comedian's evolution 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 industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, pulling off a masterclass in deceit felt just as probable as him keeping composure through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to breakfast in traitor attire and I still wouldn't have thought he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

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

The winner stated he had "thoroughly enjoyed" his experience with the show.

"I want to participate once more... I doubt it would work a second time!"

The final episode was extended to 70 minutes on television. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was particularly inspiring, and very un-Traitors-esque soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

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

"To be honest, I began the competition a bit of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends under the bus, I've murdered national treasures in plain sight. Apparently I'm a better liar and traitor than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant commented that being in the final was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another 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 fashion standout of the castle, taking over from the previously eliminated style leader.

Carr emerged at breakfast resembling a 1950s US chat show host in a checked maroon suit, later switching into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

Following this was the competition, with the final players getting on board a train named - of course - The Traitors Express.

The challenge saw them destroying images of former contestants. Have sympathy for a player who was hit in the head multiple times by the lid of a substantial container.

Soon after, the moment arrived for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, vowing to support each other. "We've come a long way, I won't throw him under a bus," said one, while their partner simply laughed.

However, 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 last deceiver appeared he was in a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I did NOT want this contestant to be banished. A truly loveable traitor," commented an observer.

"Your legacy will remain in Traitors history," posted a different viewer.

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

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

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

"This pains me to be betrayed at the final moment in that manner," remarked the eliminated player. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other by a betrayer's name.

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

A contestant, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - resulting in the traitor was the winner.

For observers, the moment where the other players consoled the winner was "compelling television". "I predict it will be a contender for outstanding scene at television honors," they said.

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

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

And he even joked about the memorable elimination - his close ally during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

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

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, scheming and sometimes surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. Yet it actually all happen. And we will miss it.