Independent Cryptic #10995

2022-01-08

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Across

1a

Loose cover cushions, elastic edges (8)

5a

I had contracted cold when accepting Oscar for Dumb & Dumber feature (6)

10a

9 or 11 perish touring Southern states (5)

11a

US writer, associate of Clinton (Bill), pens 6D (4,5)

12a

Starts to help out navy following plane crash - it's blown up (9)

13a

Live with depression having taken over (5)

14a

Wee man steals regularly, treacherous character (6)

15a

According to Spooner, blacklisted crone Thatcher carried one (7)

18a

Frosty relations put elderly wife on board coach (4,3)

20a

Following death, it's transferred on account last thing on Friday (6)

22a

The greatest Belgium international defence (5)

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24a

Merkel, say, by Karlsruhe on vacation receiving cold sponge (5,4)

25a

Endlessly refined massage turned on nameless Soviet leaders (9)

26a

Skilful head of Art Department (5)

27a

Hesitate to visit Rawalpindi therapist (6)

28a

Eminem's debut at microphone "arresting, terrific, forceful" (8)

Down

1d

As Eddie Izzard might appear after daring transformation? (2,4)

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2d

It chops up fresh apple (3,6)

3d

"Flawless Salah toying with Newcastle" - Independent claimed (5,2,1,7)

4d

A good daughter filling bap for her playmate? (3,4)

6d

Vital I'd had gonad treated; in this case a sling helped (5,3,7)

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7d

Senior citizen trapped in café I'd locked up (5)

8d

Golly Sue! Amazing cakes! (4,4)

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9d

Geek turned on taps to make things wet (6)

16d

British upper-class tea break? Capital! (9)

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17d

Cancelled actor Johnny bends over (8)

19d

Do some research about American political party (4,2)

20d

Play large English bloke at wedding (7)

21d

Frenzied husband on ecstasy with constant twitch (6)

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23d

Skerry not available for rent? (5)