CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

6 Met on doorstep old comedian? That’s commonly held knowledge (8,6)

9 A hut is repositioned in break (6)

10 A clot with Ben altered style of operatic singing (3,5) 11 A liberal male following Charlie in a miserable state gets to be more relaxed (4,4)

13 Six enthralled by exotic wine that’s visible (2,4) 15 Last part of holiday

I love possibly in Somerset town (6) 17 Old tennis player is linked to long story after comeback (6) 19 Cancel note with a line about exercise (6) 20 What holidaymakers might do in a French city in state’s borders (8) 22 One dame tipsy having consumed alcoholic spirit?

It’s not real (8) 24 Self-important parish priest fronting appeal in university yard (6) 26 Shun a site in TUC sadly making one not very engaged (14)

DOWN

1 A minor Dane, say, excited to tour river is naval employee (8,6) 2 Maybe, Glaswegian firm is found in street (4) 3 Motor racing and horse racing venue falling short? It’s a total failure (6) 4 Something painful becoming greater in intensity (8)

5 A second capital on the rise in huge area (4) 7 English book of substantial size covering name in decline (6) 8 Hacker got hint somehow about latest in equipment, following the correct path? (2,3,5,4) 12 Large deer with some wandering around middle of moors (5) 14 Activist approved in part a pleasing view (5) 16 Operetta composed in a hotel (8) 18 Private comments from team in middle of base (6) 21 Number for all to see turning up label for sweet food (6)

23 Some jargon generated for an award (4) 25 Cease when held up to gain lots of money (4)