Across
-
7
Lesser array of heavenly bodies melting in our arms (4,5)
-
8, 10, 24
Actor only 26 27, unable to light up though, just not winning (5,3,2,5)
-
9
Trials coming in cycles for literary villain (4,5)
-
10
See 8
-
12
See 11 Down
-
13
26s hosts as it happens ideal, though superficial and emollient (5,3)
-
14
See 4 Down
-
17
Background music’s first beat in impromptu (7)
-
20
Jumpsuit for example, open flies, cooler with breeze finally coming in (3-5)
-
22
Actor only 26 27, winning cry’s stifled as well (6)
-
24
See 8
-
25
Film great only 26 27, problem geezer (9)
-
26, 27
Americans’ nod to another, and on one’s dramatic failing, with no mad reactions, unfortunately – when only this? (5-9)
-
27
See 26
Down
-
1
Actor only 26 27 in easy win? (6)
-
2
Roles seemingly manufactured, one’s less than gracious (3,5)
-
3
McKellen, say, as a star? (6)
-
4, 14
Selected, an actor only 26 27 lost (4,3,1,6)
-
5
Bee, insect in shirt (6)
-
6
Capital I invested in a tabloid scam (8)
-
11, 12
Actor only 26 27 returning only unopened letters? (4,6)
-
15
Most crooked, with one opening prize (8)
-
16
Sign captain up (4)
-
18
Unquestionable note in Nordic novel (4-4)
-
19
Meat thus coated with toxic substance (7)
-
21
Delay before mountain climbing of a particular mode (6)
-
22
Purple light skimmed over personal documents (6)
-
23
Beaten, when lapped (6)