CRYPTIC CROSSWORD: NO. 28,923

Across

1 Runs behind simple boat (4) 3 Second Greek character taken short just after game (10)

8 Time taken in appalling retreats (8)

9 Simpleton recalled party held by Musk (6)

10 A quiet look by doctor showing cool (6)

11 Cover to protect a utensil for cooking (8)

13 Old actress Joan concealing expensive weapons (8)

14 Virgo perhaps needs a large cue (6)

16 Svelte supermodel turning past 51 (6)

19 Dumpier illegal occupant (8) 21 A schemer designed luxurious fabric (8)

22 Fiddle that is common feature of websites (6)

23 Order child to return tawdry articles (6)

24 Friendly question of identity for party leader (8)

25 Art gallery trade Monet works (4,6)

26 Gets rid of important lines on graph (4)

Down

1 Tries to get involved in actual practice (9)

2 Authorities whose better path goes astray (3,6,4,2) 3 Wailer/whaler seeks this (7) 4 Cherubs with first bit of steak stuck in teeth (7)

5 Excited seeing son’s rock band (7)

6 Has second job on Air Transport Auxiliary provided work for Joanna? (9,6)

7 Relative, European in Mediterranean resort (5) 12 Side cut short refreshments (3) 15 Great size claimed by shifty sea-anglers when one’s got away (9)

17 Saving scheme to which kinsman regularly contributes (3)

18 Old movie star we will leave having upset gold expert (7)

19 Leak instruction in cross-reference? (7)

20 Anointing ceremony failing to start (7)

21 Trainee detective comes up without notice (5)