Special Instructions: A somewhat themed crossword (just a bit of smut this time) with a hard-to-find Easter Egg referring to that theme. First to discover it wins a prize*
Across
Steve-O performing with "Rin-Tin-Tin" - he keeps sticking his nose in! (15)
£1000 in quiz on the radio, I took on Richard at first - I guess nobody expected him! (5,10)
The Horse & Badger (3)
Snowman's content after the birth of Baby Jesus, anxious at heart before! (3)
Shows Dad arse - bad Boxing Day! (7)
Citizen returns to secret spot (3)
Trump, without Mike Pence, gaining southern support for administrator (7)
Some money from the east (3)
Force editor to move on! (7)
Cage fight (3)
Argument about crossword boxes (3)
Where workers feast, maybe, with spots of business performance assessment? (5,10)
Some diners rant about society in parts of Paris (15)
Down
Mary's one in six odds of rage outside of inn (6)
Pawn's first move is easy (15)
Crossword setting's impressive, with setter covering Santa's bottom and a bit of Nietzsche! (4)
Breaking News: A Woman Bond! (6)
Finger favourite prostitute (8)
Christmas decorations on Queen's tanker (6)
Bartender's pithy concoction with frankincense or myrrh, perhaps (8,7)
Reading about "vermin" in The Sun? (4)
What breakdown service fixed up? (3)
One is born every second? (3)
Nothing but enthusiasm for fastener (3)
Run about around Derbyshire on vacation then nip back to shore (8)
Character found in unopened toy bricks (3)
Youngster ran downstairs, carrying message... (6)
...that's saucy, from Jacob: "Dear Santa, reindeers kiss furry butts!" (6)
Akin to one of the Three Kings, you'd presume, with his test unstarted (6)
Request Freedom of Movement after change in direction (4)
Very good Dave! I was immediately intrigued by the SI and then enjoyed the solve. Favourite clues were 11a, 17a, 24a, 2d, 3d (though that was my one and only reveal), 4d and 15d among others. Spoilery stuff about theme in reply…
Nice one Dave :-) And very comprehensive too, quite an achievement - perhaps it's a pity that "Special Instructions" were required, if you see what I mean? 😜 Thanks again!
Nicely done, Dave, and for once I spotted the Easter Egg. And that does NOT happen that frequently. 14a, 20a, 28a, 1d, 6d, 7d, 25d and 26d my faves. If this is your Christmas gift, season's greetings to you, too. PM
Super-tight shorties and some cracking spots. 9a, 14a, 17a, 5d and 7d all tickled me. I have to admit I wouldn't have clocked your trick without the heads-up to look for it, so ta lots for that. Very smartly done. Super stuff. Happy Christmas!
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