CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

17 272

Across

6. Actor Jackie inspired by unusual chef of note, as a slight possibility? (2,3,3,6)

9. Section of poem stumped a New Zealand academic principally (6)

10. By the sound of it, exceptional Scottish city (8)

11. Musical composition read and seen in a confused way (8)

13. Counterbalance where film actors get to relax? (6)

15. Struggle to probe ordinary activity in Spanish city (6)

17. Madagascan creature getting doubly positive response (3-3)

19. Numerical facts about university ranking (6)

20. A question by journalist cut about bridge over a valley? (8)

22. Portuguese explorer, chap taking long time by two lakes (8)

24. This person’s agreement has influence (6)

26. British singer given late hint I suspect has unexpectedly problematic ending (5,2,3,4)

Down

1. Stop threat from criminal largely (3,3,4,4)

2. Egyptian deity featured amid great enthusiasm (4)

3. Archdeacon upset over commercial area in U.S. state (6)

4. Bitterness shown by a close friend having acquired limp essentially (8)

5. Noisy cry from bachelor with tool (4)

7. Attach following article on threadbare nets (6)

8. Fencer once confused name in communication of a group? (10,4)

12. Throw out leaders of extremists variously impeding court (5)

14. German-speaking woman with duke is an impostor (5)

16. Refuse to accept and record liberal objective (8)

18. Ornamental wood from Western Australia and land oddly by Utah (6)

21. Academic institution supported by son and former partner is open to all? (6)

23. Some cachet naturally in Sicilian landmark (4)

25. Friend interrupted by introduction of extraordinary ringing of bells (4)