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

Spoiler alert - This article discloses details from Celebrity Traitors finale

Over the course of the show, audiences saw eliminations, double-crosses, serious side-eye, and a memorable moment that pierced the overwhelming suspense.

Yet on the final evening, the final winner of the first Celebrity Traitors was revealed.

Out of 19 contestants, only five were left standing: Traitors and loyal players facing off for the prize.

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

Ultimately, comedian Alan Carr emerged as the winner, in a shocking result that went viral and left him emotional.

"This has been destroying me, 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 consoled him. "Everything's fine."

Social media quickly erupted with this development. "The worst deceiver being the best traitor ever," wrote a viewer.

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

The organization he selected, a cancer charity, gets to keep the entire winnings, with the final pot reaching £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 entertainment reporters.

"The idea of Alan, among everyone, pulling off a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him keeping a straight face through his comedy routines."

During follow-up conversations, 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 wouldn't have believed he was a traitor. I was too busy laughing," 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 "absolutely loved" his time on the show.

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

The final episode was extended to over an hour on television. It had a different start than usual, as every celebrity knew who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show music, as the episode revisited key scenes from each of the finalists' time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"To be honest, I began the competition as something of an anxious mess. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm a better liar and player than I thought."

At the same time, another contestant commented that reaching the conclusion was "significantly more pressure than playing for a national team", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have lasted this long.

In the beginning in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the competition, taking over from the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

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.

However, he got out-jacketted by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. Impressive style.

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

The challenge saw them destroying images of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who managed to get hit in the head multiple times by the cover of a heavy wooden box.

Soon after, it was time for the elimination discussion.

Two traitors did a pinky promise in advance, pledging to stick together. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," said a player, while their partner just giggled.

And one adhered to his promise. But, managing to stay unnoticed for most of the game, the other still received the majority elimination votes.

The last deceiver looked like to be experiencing a world of pain to be the last traitor standing. "Now I'm on my own, I'm frightened," he said. "I'm a loose cannon, a rudderless ship."

Social media and onlookers were similarly upset.

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

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

However, there remained little opportunity to focus on their elimination. Before long, they were at the final stage - this being what we were really all here for.

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

One contestant was painfully banished - following a surprising decision from their partner, who turned against them.

"This pains me to be stabbed in the back at the final moment like that," remarked the ousted contestant. Later, we learned that if they ever communicate, the eliminated contestant refers to their former ally as a traitor.

Finally, only three contestants were still competing: the final trio.

A contestant, looking incredibly smug, chose to conclude the competition. So did a different player, and everything depended on the final participant, who did the same - resulting in the traitor emerged victorious.

For observers, the scene where the other players consoled the champion was "beautiful TV". "I predict it could be in the running for memorable moment at next year's awards," they said.

Happily, the champion soon recovered from his bout of tears, and could finally appreciate the moment.

"What a rollercoaster. I was awful at lying, I had no poker face and here I am the champion," he said.

And he even joked about that infamous murder - his close ally in an early episode - by leaning toward the host in the final scene and touching her cheek.

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

The recent episodes of famous people scheming, scheming and the occasional surprising incidents may feel like one big crazy jumbled dream. But it really did all happen. It will be remembered fondly.