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I'm struggling to locate an "L" omitted from the wordplay somewhere between 16 and 27. Can anyone point me in the right direction? It is of no importance whatsoever for the engame, as I am aware of the 12 letters I should have, and what effect they should have. It's just annoying not to see this last little detail.

it's in 17a

I meant to say that when the preamble said "solvers must complete the pattern running through cells symmetrically located in relation to the clashes" I wasn't sure if that meant using mirror or rotational symmetry so made a note of the letters each produced and, needless to say, the word resulting from correct choice leaves one in no doubt as to which is the right way.

The 'cherry on top', as it were:-)

Many thanks to Karla for an excellent EV debut. So many thematic elements meshing very precisely. A challenging, satisfying - and illuminating, for me - solve.

As usual I am well behind. I have a full grid, all the clashes, the 8 extra words and the unclued thematic entry. What I don't have are all 12 unclued letters which are the key to the endgame. (I have 9 and some of those are probably wrong.) The first 3 I have are 2a - D, 14a - P and 17a-L but if those are right there has to be a vowel between the first two but 10a and 12a produce clashes. As my last 2 I have 27d - E and 36d - H. Any nudges/violent pushes in the right direction would be more than welcome.

Hi alwayspuzzled, I no longer have the puzzle but remember the preamble stating the 12 letters omitted from wordplay should be read in number order than the more usual across then down clues order.

Thank you for that Ginge. I really must learn to read the preamble more carefully.

Another tremendous puzzle and, apparently, a debut. In which case a massive hats off and thanks to Karla.

Only issue left is the wordplay for 40 across.

Auntie rustling large ox from nick (4) BEEB

The solution is clear enough and all letters are checked but buggered if I can parse it!!

Ken, think “old nick” and remove a large ox from a synonym.

That's brilliant, Jack Aubrey! Takes me back to the much missed BEELZEBUB puzzle in the old Independent On Sunday.