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Alan (editor) seems to have thrown us a curveball (or the cricket equivalent?) this weekend. After a Prize that many considered extremely gentle, this Everyman was a beast IMO.

Feared DNF for a long time and surprised that I finished, but a few parsings remain elusive.

Some very nice clues, though one long item borrows from a clever puzzle earlier in the week.

Thanks to Everyman for a surprise.

Absolutely agree, geeker. And, unusually for an Everyman (in my experience at least), there’s a very pervasive and cleverly used theme which I’m guessing will not be familiar to you. I enjoyed it though, and was glad of the challenge after yesterday’s Prize which I’m afraid I still maintain was nowhere near up to the mark.
Intrigued by the echo in 12a of a solution from earlier in the week.

(Sorry, geeker: I failed to notice that you had already referred to the echo! If you need any parsing hints, let me know…)

Thanks, rogissimo.
I figured there was a theme, but it appears to be subtle and also highly UK GK/culture dependent, leaving me no chance of deducing it.

As I guessed, geeker. I’m doubly impressed that you finished pretty quickly, given that two solutions at least require GK that is pretty UK-specific.

Finished Ok but didn't enjoy it. Found the theme laboured and the whole thing rather clunky. Best to keep Everyman straightforward or change its name.

Agree with all, particularly Lucertola - I really didn't enjoy this at all and wasn't sure if numerous proper names were real people or not - not living in UK nor having a TV! Found this much harder than the Prize.

As advertised the Quiptic has indeed moved to Sunday. Today’s is by Pasquale.

I put a note a the Guardian thread, but Everyman solvers in particular may be interested in a programme on the history of crosswords tonight on bbc radio 4.

I didn't enjoy this at all. Some of the clueing was very esoteric. I'm still not sure how to parse 27a
Ed

Good day all. Agree with sentiments, did not enjoy today's and although seem to have solutions I am sure some are wrong. I cannot spot any theme either. Also noticed 12a reappearance. There seem to be a few clues with unnecessary additional words. So for today's enjoyment I'll look forward to going 4th after 6 pm. COYS.