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Thanks to all the respondents to my query.
I must learn to speak US !

Was able to solve all clues except for 2D, which yesterday was nothing but the uncapitalized, italicized, and boldfaced word

entirely
.

Came back this morning to see it if made any more sense, and now it reads like so, including the quotation marks:

"Animal star sign." "Chameleon?" "Not entirely."

Now it makes perfect sense.

(But how is it possible that nobody checked it before it was foisted on solvers?)

Hi guys
I think I've finished, however my answer to 10a means awkward, but I can't parse it. And my answer to 23a I can parse, but I've never seen it referred to as meaning Studious.
So opposite issues for clues opposite in the grid!
Any insights would be greatly appreciated.

Hi warden
For 10, read "long" as a verb.
I raised an eyebrow at 23 too.

In USA, 23 is often used for "academic-looking", perhaps equivalent to UK "donnish" in some sense.

I agree the clue is a bit of a stretch.

Thanks, daz. In the Guardian app it's still just the one word. SMH.

Thanks ChrisE , 10a makes sense now. And I'm glad I'm not the only one on 23a :)

I am miles off the pace here.

I have solved 9 clues.

Could I please ask for hints as to how to solve 1a, 5a, 9a?

I’m hoping that if I have a few letters for other words it will help.

1a: The clue refers to a TV detective who was known for looking shabby. From the 70s I believe. The definition is a US city.

5a. E for English than take the first letter (scratching head) off a word in the clue.

9a. This is a reversal. Short name for Edward, one letter for island, and 5 letter ship all reversed. Definition is at water's edge (but not a natural body of water.)

For what it's worth, druh6sm, I found the down clues at the top less tricky than the across ones.