CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

7 Altering in development

becomes intrinsic (8)

9 Some cut opiate

leading to bliss (6)

10 Double victory by close

of tournament (4) 11 Represent criminals with connection, hiding irritated expression (10) 12 Tour the French will

make three times (6)

14 Part, in essence, reveals

theatricality (8)

15 Doubtful after sermon,

extremely condescending (6) 17 Straight leading man

then oddly embraced (6) 20 Sweet-talk — dupes

are converted (8)

22 Leader of English gathers

backing and respect (6) 23 Female faces fee increase, accommodating new consort (10)

24 Like to be seen in

church in suit (4)

25 Help rejected in

pub restaurant? (6) 26 Adolescent born to revolt

in great agitating (8)

DOWN

1 Unknowingly posh answer — piercing answer, unfortunately (8) 2 Government announced

control (4)

3 Sage and onion top

left in stock (6)

4 Sex described by discreet

text on screen (8)

5 Body beginning to glaciate in Antarctica? (10)

6 Good Morning America welcoming a time for break (6) 8 Starts to lead imposingly,

approaching straight (6) 13 Plant in a pot is potentially harbouring alien (10) 16 Shameless criminal absconded within walls of Fleet (8)

18 Go too far, partner being topless on march (8)

19 Snooze, burying one’s

face defiantly (6)

21 Task Queen performed on opening of do (6) 22 Regular supporting

the Spanish team (6) 24 Chinwag harmlessly about

trivialities initially (4)