CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1 Around start of week, comes to call (7) 4 5 What’s removed by girl approaching Bond? (7) 4 9 Group of sailors in bay, turning, awkwardly clutch packs (5,4) 10 A test for internet connection is taking off (5) 11 Bright star showing some perspicacity (5) 12 Unfavourably cast? (2,3,4) 13 Like continental estate, perhaps, bequeathed to present doctor I have (4-4,5) 17 Cryptic clue maybe not about verse in pop song (4,3,2,4) 21 Advanced as far as old man with unknown mineral (4,5) 24 Harsh introduction to Olympics for European runner (5) 25 Look ashamed, maybe even promising hand with money (5) 26 Countries joined together to vet journalist for free (9) 27 Before short drive with Yankee, books service (7) 28 Slip back, saying nothing about arrival (7)

DOWN 1 Reserved a little turkey, ultimately for stuffing sort of kebab (6) 4 2 Old PM’s official staff shortened press article (9) 4 3 Foul that almost incapacitated rugby player (3-4) 4 4 Singer at first mischievously being interested only in number one (9) 4 5 Nick? He died a rich man (5) 4 6 Amount of money used on publicity is relative (7) 4 7 Northern region where dynamic economy picked up (5) 4 8 In which mercury’s rising — I see it’s fantastic outside? (8) 14 Philosopher’s last letter: hence it’s treated specially (9) 15 What waiter brings from distance to pour? (3,6) 16 Contemptuous of banality in science fiction, endlessly dull (8) 18 More like a man to mess up? (7) 19 Cockney judge at hearing does perhaps for female pensioner? (3,4) 20 Coward’s fan of the Sun, on reflection blessed! (6) 22 Short exercise to occupy room? (5) 23 Regularly presented product by trying to look sexy? (5)