CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

Across

1. The most expensive way to begin a love letter (7) 5. Study S American coun try’s energy (6) 9. Hope’s dashed ringing number at home in programme (5-2) 10. Vegetable, say, pop group’s about to return (7) 11. Harry Enfield’s drink? (3) 12. Edit picture in Delaware twice Ñ a run-down state (11) 13. Steps, say, in fashion (5) 14. Sort of engine that Õs set to work abroad (3-6) 16. Circus insurance for crazy feats round NE river (6,3) 17. Dial up bishop and make impromptu speech (2-3) 19. Sign different receipt for what’s normally paid (6,5) 22. Knock unfinished loaf (3) 23. Throne’s refurbished and cut (7) 24. Exiles strode away round Portugal (7) 26. Doubtless in old city he attracts huge interest (6) 27. Done any new construction? Yes, made cross (7)

Down

1. Leaves one for love in 24 (7) 2. Farce (nearly): wild comrades of yore get together finally (1,6,2,6) 3. Former increase in Greek expenditure (3) 4. First note in scale blends into C (5) 5. It’s completely full up to’ Deck unfortunately (6,3) 6. Lousy golfer’s ignoring tee Ñ needs teacher (5) 7. Second title for beauty built near New York (6,2,7) 8. Unruffled former nurse distributing Es regularly (6) 12. Lived in wicked backward time (5) 14. Kitchen gadget T? (3-6) 15. Emin hasn’t finished sketch (5) 16. Pacific archipelago controls small spicy snack (6) 18. Puzzled Aussie birds resting? (7) 20. Join two hospital departments (5) 21. Country and one of its PMs, not radical (5) 25. Harshly criticise old god (3)