CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across 1. If you are egotistic, you market seafood we hear (7) 5. Create peephole in tent (5) 8. Hold off to obey (5)

9. Flay Abe for seasoning (3,4) 10. Pin back and bite (3) 11. One of three radio comedians does gabble away (4)

12. Black and white movie? Not even white! (4)

14. Feast I organise at a gala (6) 15. Mickey takes a quarter to get gel (6)

17. Giggle endlessly admitting elation (4)

18. Company mother put into a trance... (4)

19. … therefore boss loses direction and comes back for a cry (3)

21. Alexandra VI, oligarch, has an Italian meal (7)

23. Raise a sign (5) 24. Cotton cloth made around Christmas but with no hats (5) 25. Agent continues singer’s employment or quits (7) Down 1. Country is going to prosecute Mr Defoe it is reported (5) 2. Lithium & iron on the brine create ring of confidence (4,9) 3. Water crops by arrangement with “Tiger Air” (8) 4. Hotplate and its switch are the ones to associate with we hear (3,3)

5. Attempt to score (3) 6. Pressing poses makes way to be attractive (13) 7. Administer in France for church (7)

13. Don’s away at sea at the present time (8) 14. Calculates the shapes (7) 16. Policeman that’s right as imitator (6) 20. Foundation of degree with the secret service (5) 22. Measure of resistance on Her Majesty initially (3)

Yesterday

Across: 1. Kick-off, 5. Cumin, 8. Augment, 9. Along, 10. Karma, 11. Replica, 12. Hobble, 14. Dogged, 17. Worship, 19. Elect, 22. Viola, 23. Trade-in, 24. Reeve, 25. Spectre.

Down: 1. Knack, 2. Cigar, 3. Overall, 4. Future, 5. Clasp, 6. Mooring, 7. Niggard, 12. However, 13. Barcode, 15. Overawe, 16. Spates, 18. Heave, 20. Eject, 21. Tinge.