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Thanks mamya for the hints but not answers. Had to work at it but got there.

Phew! Thank goodness that I hadn't got around to this, as the "Guardian Prize" today was almost a write-in from start to finish.

Hello folks, here I am playing catch up as usual. This is almost a poser of the week. How is it the answers I get are those that others have problems with and vice versa? Oh, I've just got the fabric at 2d. Never heard of it and that's speaking as someone who used to help my mum on her dress material stall on Birkenhead market. Hints please on 4d Easy to top and tail insect for surgical insertion (7) I have -m-l-n-. 13d Northern food, throw penny on to quirkily amuse. (5,4) I have -u-i-/p-a-). I'm presuming that the second is peas but mushy doesn't fit the first. Thanks in anticipation. As I'm likely to be learning my part in a murder mystery play when any answer comes

4d
top and tail the word "simple" + small 3-letter insect

13 mushy peas is correct.
throw: shy
penny: p
"amuse" anagram

Happy rehearsing :)

Thanks Jazzgirl. That means back to the drawing board for the presenter. I'd put in Bill Spencer who, while I've never heard of any such, fitted the clue (18a) perfectly. Now back to being the village drunk.