Special Instructions: Nine across clues contain an extra word, to be removed before solving. These words can be arranged to provide the theme. The solution to this clue completes the puzzle's theme: Your edgy setter was able to bring a potty clue for this last number, though I suspect the chances are you were dazzled and unaware I was in your gaze (Y3,P8,C7,S3,F3,T3,L6,B3,Y3,W4,S7,S8,A2,M2) - letters are the first of each word
Across
I make merry love in Ritz, wanting the ultimate (4)
Virginia points blades (5)
That's doctor of Jack Dee, oddly struck off (4)
Explosively the heartless lass goes off - whatever! (6)
One betrays one's principles, throwing can openers from upstairs out to the rubble (8)
The majority of doors are secured by this wire outside faculty - enter (4,4)
It directs pioneers' Tesla when coming back, say (6)
What a cretin, easily convinced (7)
Memory expert not swallowing new creative lie (7)
Talk is potentially a bit brighter on vacation (6)
Returning quiet to San Francisco State, never performs again (2-6)
As a politician I am taken in by five revolutionary serial blackmailers (8)
Powerful southern nationalist I'm to walk wearily around (6)
People in residence (4)
Petulant boy dramatically rejected sandwiches (5)
Dislodge ponce prince (4)
Down
Irishman's destroyed Scotsman's garment (4)
Photograph established winner at musical statues? (8)
Some behave staunchly in Iranian scriptures (6)
Key gallery put in place (7)
Opponents spin on dancing shoes, then take hour out for coffee (8)
Bit on the side's gone cold, not originally but… (6)
God of the sun goes down beneath fine lady's fingers (4)
Place to view from the afternoon doesn't have the space to bring artist over (5)
Course of antibiotics initially explorer enduring cold snubbed (5)
Minister transformed waiting times? (8)
Northern area absurdly to exist without oxygen - as this will (8)
From below, short red light indicates finally lecturer's removed hitmen? (7)
PPE wearing person performed on the dancefloor (I bet you looked good!) (6)
Literary heroine asserts, "Ignore the introductions in academic works" (6)
Hello sailors! Wow, most of you must come up! (4)
State of Nebraska welcoming Arctic Monkeys primarily (4)
Claw has made 3 changes since publishing this crossword.
The annotated solutions to this puzzle are not quite complete as it's asking too much of the excellent interface we've been provided for uploading puzzles. So, the remaining details follow here. Massive spoilers, obviously...
Wow, thanks Claw, that's some awesome dedication to the theme (a personal favourite) .. didn't quite twig til 23d but then everything became crystal clear. Plenty of super clues ... 8a, 17a, 19a, 31a, 1d, 2d, 6d, 25d & 27d my faves, but the theming is obviously the star. Spoilers ...
Belatedly came here tipped off by Fez as I missed this first time round, but what a triumph! Fabulous working of the theme, hats off to you. Aside from the overall grid being the main attraction, I’d pick out 11a, 15a, 22a, 31a, 2d (COTD - great definition!), 7d and 18d. Thanks!
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