After multiple episodes of tension, schemes and backstabbing, The Celebrity Traitors has reached a nail-biting finale

Spoiler alert - This article reveals details from The Celebrity Traitors conclusion

Throughout the season, audiences saw eliminations, betrayals, serious side-eye, and an unforgettable incident that pierced all suspense.

However on the final evening, the ultimate victor of the inaugural celebrity edition was revealed.

From 19 contestants, just a handful were left standing: Traitors and faithfuls facing off for the winnings.

Soon, the field narrowed to just three: the final players.

Ultimately, funny man Alan Carr was crowned the winner, in a surprising result that went viral and made him tearful.

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

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

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

"There could not have been a more iconic ending," stated another, while someone else 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.

Alan Carr's transformation from giggle liability to strategic player was one of the standout highlights of the season.

However, his victory still shocked viewers surprised, as noted by industry observers.

"The thought of him, of all people, executing a masterclass in deception felt about as likely as him maintaining a straight face through one of his own punchlines."

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

"Alan could have appeared to the morning meal in a green cloak and I wouldn't have believed he was deceiving us. His humor distracted me," a player said.

"The majority didn't target him because how can you vote for a person so charming?" questioned a different contestant.

Carr said he had "absolutely loved" his experience with the program.

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

The final installment was lengthened to 70 minutes on the network. There was an unusual opening than usual, as every celebrity were aware who'd make it at the breakfast table.

Viewers heard particularly inspiring, and atypical for the show soundtrack, as we recapped some moments from every remaining player's time in the castle.

True to form, Alan Carr gave us unforgettable quotes.

"Let's face it, I began the competition as something of a nervous wreck. I've betrayed close allies under the bus, I've murdered beloved figures openly. Apparently I'm more deceptive and player than I believed."

Meanwhile, another contestant noted that reaching the conclusion was "way more stressful than competing with England", while another said he was "totally surprised" to have made it so far.

Early on in the episode, several players appeared to be attempting to become the new style icon of the castle, replacing the previously eliminated fashionable contestant.

The winner appeared at the morning meal resembling a vintage television personality in patterned burgundy attire, before changing into a bejewelled white suit.

However, he got outstyled by another contestant's burgundy formal wear. What a look.

Next up was the competition, with the remaining contestants getting on board a train named - of course - The Deceivers' Railway.

The challenge involved destroying portraits of eliminated players. Spare a thought for one participant who was hit on the head THREE times by the lid of a heavy wooden box.

Before long, it was time for the roundtable.

Two traitors did a pinky promise beforehand, pledging to support each other. "We've progressed significantly, I'm not going to throw him under a bus," stated a player, while their partner just giggled.

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

The last deceiver looked like 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, without direction."

Social media and onlookers were equally disappointed.

"I hoped against that player to be eliminated. An endearing deceiver," said an observer.

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

But there was no time to focus on this departure. Soon, the game reached the endgame - which was the moment everyone anticipated.

The final four gathered around the ceremonial fire. And the alliance collapsed, just when it was most crucial, in a truly WTF moment.

One contestant was painfully banished - 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 eliminated player. Subsequently, we learned that if they ever communicate, the betrayed player calls their former ally by a betrayer's name.

Finally, just three players were still competing: the final trio.

One player, appearing quite pleased, chose to conclude the competition. So did another, and everything depended on the third, who made the identical choice - which meant that the traitor was the winner.

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

Happily, the champion quickly regained composure from his emotional outburst, and was able to enjoy his victory.

"Such an emotional journey. I was awful at lying, my expressions gave me away and here I am the champion," he said.

He also made light of the memorable elimination - his close ally in an early episode - by reaching over the presenter in the concluding moments and making contact.

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

The last few weeks of famous people scheming, scheming and sometimes unexpected moments may seem like a bizarre fantasy. But it really did occur. It will be remembered fondly.