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Hi Lemming, did you note that the preamble reads “24s”. I took this mean mean that the answer +s gets you back to TINSEL

jono, thanks. Yes, I had noticed it and assumed it was a typo, which was obviously not sensible, given that it differs from all Maskarade's other references. So I'll go with your interpretation and count myself home and dry. It's some years since I last did a Guardian crossword, so it's a new piece of clue syntax to me. I wonder f there'll be any others to be discovered.

I struggled off and on over several days, but finally got there with the aid of the forum and my nephew, who explained the preamble to me. I had completely misinterpreted it initially. When I did understand, I did not like it. Too many of the solutions seemed to have little logical connection with the theme. in so far as there is one. eg "mashed POTATOES", leading to two unrelated words which just happen to be made up of the letters of the key word, but can only be confirmed from the crossers.

However, the reason for this post is to ask: Is there a consensus on the 'U' versus 'O' in 34A? I note different views have been expressed, without a conclusive argument either way. So I remain in two minds.

I don't see any reason for conflating or associating the two girls' PRESENts, I'm afraid, any more than I would for the two PUDDINGs. Note too that the OED meaning of the O variant as used in The Crucible is "A small effigy of a person, used in witchcraft or necromancy".

"A Very Special Christmas" album. 1986 (I think, maybe 87). Fundraiser for Special Olympics. Alison Moyet sings it.

I have a complete grid (thanks to a few hints on here), save for 72d. I've found two plausible first letters - C and B, but can't work out the answer. Any ideas?

Hi Edosan, I think I can guess the possible answers you have in mind based on those two letters (neither correct I’m afraid), and therefore I suspect it’s your 82a which is wrong. There was a hint about that answer earlier in the thread if you search back.

Hi Edosan
The answer is something edible often served with Chinese food

I see over on 225 that the answers to 24s Tinsel was inset - I'd put "inlet" because that + S gives 24 (tinsel) - to be honest, I'm struggling to see how that can be deemed wrong.

Brendan I’m sure INLET was correct, for the reason you give. The blog also gives CURTIS rather than CUSTOS, which I also think is nonsense. So I don’t think 225 is infallible