Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

The clues...
Requests for help should normally include the clue itself, the number of letters in the answer, and details of any you already have. Any additional information or special instructions, common in Listener puzzles, should also be included.
Hints only, please, no answers.

The theme...
Help with the theme may also be sought here. It's intended that the 'help' should be just a pointer, a nudge in the right direction - something that would help a struggling solver, but nothing that would spoil the puzzle for others.
Any posts which, even inadvertently, reveal too much of the theme are likely to be removed.

There are usually quite a few regulars on these Listener threads, but newcomers are always welcome.

The Listener is a unique puzzle and should be treated with respect.

Very clever, and thanks to Lionheart! Nice to have more of a challenge this week.

Grid fill was easy enough. I get the majority of what I am supposed to do for the endgame, but I am missing some subtleties. Still early enough that I will wait a day or two before asking questions. Overall a very fun puzzle.

I think the previously mentioned "subtleties" are nearly all resolved except for one. Is the restore instruction done in a unique way? Or perhaps are there several ways that it can be done which all have the same final result?

I carried out what I think is the instruction, and it leaves real words apart from 1D which looks like a real word but isn't. Presumably only the original grid should be submitted?

Same here Cockie

Co-solver proposes insertion of a bar in column 1

Don’t think that insertion of bars is the way to go.

I followed the instruction very literally to keep real words. Not sure if it’s right but seems to do the job

That's the dilemma CD but the far RH column works only if the cut is made where we have been told to make it

May be giving too much away and it’s still quite early so won’t go into anymore detail yet but there is a way to follow the instruction and leave real words and the correct RH column

I have a full grid, a clear (but possibly ambiguous) instruction but......

I cannot reconcile the prize with the theme of the puzzle and am therefore mystified as to how to carry out the instruction. Time for a coffee and a rethink.