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...and I'm not a fan of 1 down.

Not considered an unwelcome series (4) RASH

I assume a double definition, but is SERIES a rash?

series of things of the same type, especially when unwelcome, happening within a short space of time.
"a rash of strikes by health workers"

Thanks, I guess so.

SB, for 50 A, I've since looked up Chain Grate, a kind of stoker, for a furnace.

Thank you, haven't heard of 'chain grate' so would never have got that.

Ref 48a, I don't understand how to get to 'major planet' from 'plot and from abroad needed by Tom or Barbara'.

PLAN (plot) + ET (and from abroad) after MAJOR (e.g. Tom (Bowie reference) or Barbara (George Bernard Shaw reference))

… a misdirection to make you think of Tom and Barbara from The Good Life!

Thanks, wow that's obscure, never heard of the play and only vaguely aware of the Bowie song.