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Thanks jono, you are right

Relief to see that I wasn't alone in being mystified by 26A. But unlike Jono, I was more annoyed than elated when I finally twigged the answer. On what planet is 'numbers' a common term for things that numb? Also, I'm presuming that 23A is nothing more complicated than one of Everyman's trademark dodgy homophones. VERY dodgy in this instance.

I’m reminded of an old clue (not sure who it’s by)...
Number of people in a theatre (12)

Thanks Jono - that's a much better clue and DID raise a smile when I finally figured it out ... after a bonus half hour of head-scratching!

Quite enjoyable today if perhaps a few too many hidden answers in the clues. Despite all your helpful postings I am none the wiser on the parsing of 26a. But I think by now you'd probably have to offer a spoiler to help me so I'll keep trying.

26a I was thinking more of whiz kids who are superstars without giving anymore away.

jono - I think this week's connection is the contrasted weather in the long downs

Ahh well done Phantom, good spot!

Ah Yes rossim. The penny has dropped now. Actually I think that is a pretty good clue in fact.

I must be sadly missing something as no-one seems to be querying 18d. I have the obvious answer but how is it parsed?
Same for 19d which looks very odd to me.
Any hints would be welcome.