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Many thanks dhope for your hint for 23ac. I think I have it, though I'm not familiar with the word used for hairpiece. I'm astounded I didn't get 13d sooner as I was staring at one out in my front garden.

I have now got 4d. 5d still eludes me. I'm assuming it is an anagram of Spain hit, but can't make any word - too many consonants.

I also have problems with 2d,3d. I think I know what the first word should be, but cannot find a word for 3d to fit my crossers, which I am sure about.

I'm struggling to find words that will fit 20ac and 11ac and 16d, so further hints for these would be very welcome.

I shall stop soon to watch the Scandi drama on BBC4, but I'll be back.

Just found the answer to 3d on Google

Hi Roof.
5d is the new name of a country. Google might help!
2d,3d Again, Google might help, esp since you have solved 26ac and 9 ac.

Hi Roof,

20a - A + 3 letter "criminal" reversed/'back' inside 4 letter "drugs" (slang for marijuana) - definition is "tried"

11a - 3 letter "kid" reversed + 3 letter "harry" both reversed/'returning' then 3 letter "barrel" around/'trapped' A - definition is "monster" as in 'massive,.

16d - 4 letter "bridge" (as a verb) + single letter "opening of gate" + 3 letter "shown" - definition is "shimmering".

I love the idea that we all couldn't give a very big hint to "roof" of all people with that handle about 23a. 🤣

A good idea Rocky. I got them all during the Norwegian oil drama apart from 5d.

I've tried googling but without success. I have ?S?A?I?I. It looks like an anagram of spainhit, but I can't invent a country with that name.

So, I'm giving up now and going to bed. It has been a real brain teaser. I hadn't heard of a number of answers and a fair amount of googling was required. There are several answers I can't fully parse. Apart from 5d, my LOI was 7d and my COD is 17,19, which came to me in a flash of inspiration. Who will ever forget that famous split infinitive.

Hi Roof

5d is a new name for a country. I had to Google it but it is very gettable from the clue. See geeker at Post 12.

The Norwegian drama is all in the planner. We have some catching up to do.

After reading comments from Brendan and Geeker I was not looking forward to this one! However much to my amazement managed to finish but cannot parse 26a help needed .

I was quite amazed to get a very long way with this puzzle by myself, only 5 left before I had to resort to the forum. Helped by hubby who is very familiar with the theme getting me 17,19 early on. Lots of anagrams always helps me too.

Still can’t parse 26. Not sure which part is the country house and what retirement means.

26a - it’s all reversed. Country house is a 5 letter NT property in Kent.