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Another fine offering from Nudd. All done, but I can't find the first "G" required for the later comment.

Hi Bobby, Nudd is always reliably excellent. I think it comes from the last word of 4d, to underscore the theatrical nature of the word

Of course, Quisling! Thanks😃

I have two queries where a nudge would be appreciated. I can't parse 9d "A stranger to Ed abandons female to care for him (5)". And I can't find the second companion of the alleged speaker - unless he appears as an anagram (?).

Hi notnil,
9d (c)are => (h)are; (f)renne - both Spenserian words, frenne referencing fremd in Chambers.
It's not "Blowers" you're looking for.

Hello!

A fabulous crossword and a lovely reminder of a moment that had me gasping, weeping and rolling around on the floor in the most ridiculous fit of the giggles. Alas, I cannot parse the 'mix-up up leaves clothes basket' wordplay. Help!

Suzannah x

Suzannahj, I think you take Pi, mix-up,confusion, from the front of a word meaning Clothes basket.

Hi suzannahj,
(pi)tara, a variant of petara.
Do you recall the earlier John Arlott commentary after a delay due to the batsman being struck on the box which went something like
"the cricket's about to resume - Lillee to Old, one ball left" which prompted laughter from everyone else in the commentary box (whom he later called unprofessional)?

Thanks Malone! Thanks Ginge! Pitara's a new word for me and pi didn't spring to mind for mix-up.

John Arlott was a bit before my time, Ginge! I like the anecdote, though, and I would definitely be in the unprofessional, sniggering camp if I'd heard it live, You can't beat cricket on the radio. The only way to follow it.

Ginger, belated thanks for your help.