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

Spoiler alert - This piece reveals key moments from Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Over the course of the show, viewers witnessed eliminations, betrayals, intense glares, and an unforgettable incident that cut through the overwhelming tension.

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

From nineteen participants, just a handful remained: Deceivers and faithfuls competing for the winnings.

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

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, my apologies," he exclaimed, admitting to the other players that he'd always been a traitor. "I'm an awful human being."

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

Social media quickly erupted with the news. "Most awful traitor ever being the best traitor ever," commented one user.

"It couldn't have been a more iconic ending," stated a different person, while someone else called it "the TV moment of the year."

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, will receive all the prize money, with the final pot reaching £87,500.

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

But his win still left the nation surprised, according to industry observers.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, executing a masterclass in deception felt just as probable as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

On subsequent discussions, fellow players explained why no one had truly doubted him.

"Alan could have come down to breakfast in traitor attire and I wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," one participant said.

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

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

"I want to participate once more... I don't think it would work again!"

The final installment was extended to over an hour on the network. It had an unusual opening than typical episodes, as all the celebs knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

There was some very uplifting, and very un-Traitors-esque music, as we recapped key scenes from every remaining player's experience in the game.

As ever, Alan Carr provided unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I started the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've thrown some really good friends to save myself, I've murdered beloved figures in plain sight. 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 someone else said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

Early on of the finale, various contestants seemed to be making a bid to become the fashion standout of the competition, replacing an earlier departed fashionable contestant.

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

However, he got outstyled by a fellow player's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

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

This task saw them ripping up portraits of eliminated players. Have sympathy for a player who was hit on the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

The deceivers made a pact beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've come a long way, I'm not going to betray him," stated one, while the other just giggled.

However, one did stick to their agreement. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still got the most votes.

The last deceiver appeared to be experiencing a world of pain to be the final deceiver remaining. "Being alone, I feel terrified," he said. "I'm unpredictable, a rudderless ship."

Social media and viewers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against this contestant to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," commented a commentator.

"You will forever be remembered in Traitors history," posted another user.

However, there remained no time to dwell on their elimination. Soon, they were at the final stage - this being the moment everyone anticipated.

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

One contestant was eliminated in dramatic fashion - following a surprising decision from their partner, who betrayed them.

"It hurts to be stabbed in the back last minute in that manner," remarked the ousted contestant. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls the other as a traitor.

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

One player, looking incredibly smug, voted to end the competition. The same decision was made by another, and it all came down to the final participant, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the moment where remaining contestants consoled the champion was "compelling television". "I anticipate it will be in the running for outstanding scene at next year's awards," they said.

Fortunately, the winner soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I thought I was terrible at deception, I had no poker face and here I am a winner," he said.

He also joked about that infamous murder - his best friend during the initial stages - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and touching her cheek.

"There's something on your face," he said, with his characteristic laugh.

The last few weeks of celebrity gossiping, plotting and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like a bizarre fantasy. Yet it actually occur. It will be remembered fondly.