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Hi, Rusty!
It will indeed be a travesty of justice if the Senior Citizen is chosen in preference to Kseniya!
I would have no faith in the show ever again, if that were to happen!
I didn't think anything amiss with "emits" in 27a?
Taking "emits" as meaning "gives out, releases"?
I did think, though, that it would be better grammar, should "who" replace "that"?
Thus reading ",...chap who..."
The clue import would still be the same , just more grammatical!
My take, anyway!
But speaking of the crossword.....
I knew I had left something unfinished......
I cannot parse 15a: I have "tradesman" = "dealer"(def), but cannot explain the rest?
Also 8d : "rota" = "list of those working" (def)
Please can you help me with the remainder of the parsing?

Hello, Elle!
That's fine, you are better at English than me.
I was but wondering!
I think I agree with "who", too.
15a, is an anagram of rat/"tra" with "desman".
I looked up "desman" in Collins and it is an amphibious mammal, if I remember correctly.
It was a new word to me.
8d, A "rota" is a term for a senior Roman Catholic court.
Collins to the rescue, again!
It's impressive the things these setters know!
God forbid the old pensioner getting to the final!

Hi, Rusty!
Thank you!
I didn't see "rat", and have never heard of "desman"!
Nor did I know that a "rota" is a term for a Roman Catholic court!
I have learned two new facts today!
I can go to my bed, enlightened!
Talk tomorrow!

Good morning, Rusty!
A damp morning.....but supposedly going to sunshine later.
We are just about to go over to see our friends for coffee (and cakes!)
In view of the rain, I think we shall drive there.
The dog and I have already got wet this morning when out for our walk!
I hope you have better weather up your way.

Good day, Elle!
Dreich here!
I have been out doing one or two wee things, but home for the day now.
Took a few books to charity shop, and no I didn't do a deal for teaspoons!
Yes, if you have a motor, use it, no point in getting wet again.

Good afternoon, Rusty!
Home again!
We have had a very enjoyable morning seeing our friends.
Our ex - neighbour is amazing at 96!
He was concerned about one of our other neighbours, who is at least ten years his junior!
And was up for having a vigorous discussion about Brexit!
We have sunshine now....and it is becoming a lovely afternoon.

Hello, Elle!
It has brightened up here, too.
So, I think I shall go for a stroll.
Quite a bit of rain earlier.
Rather you than me discussing Brexit with your neighbour.
I am mighty tired hearing about it.
And I don't think I am alone!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, I agree with you......no matter what one's personal stance on Brexit, or however great one's concern, it is becoming somewhat of an irritation having the topic constantly on tap.
But I was most impressed that my neighbour was so on the ball, and up for discussing the pros and cons of Brexit, at his great age,
He could so easily have lost interest... or considered it not relevant to himself at 96.....
Many others would have done so.
But he was very much au fait with the situation..... and looking at it from all aspects.
If I make it to nearly 100, then I hope my metal capabilities are as acute!
Did you enjoy your walk?

Hello, Elle!
Just home, had a bit of a dander, and met one or two folk.
Weather has brightened up!
We have had several years of Brexit talk.
Far too much for my liking!
Your neighbour seems a fine old gentleman.
I am glad you enjoyed your visit!

Hi, Rusty!
Yes, our families are very close....apart from meeting up regularly for catch -ups, we go to all their "big" occasions, and they come to ours.
It is beautiful here now.....and is feeling a tad warmer, too.
I have just been talking to my younger daughter on her way home from the office.
Providing she has good reception on the train journey, we usually manage an hour's chat every day.
It is good!
My last lot of books has arrived this afternoon.
I am well set up for reading material for a while now.
I think I have "Eggheads" today!