Across
8
Around temple, spill clear liquid (3,5)
9
King of music I recalled after investing in 2 (5,4)
10
Shock when crackers pulled back (4)
11
2 guided by dope in character at conclusion of argument? (10)
12
Ultimate aim of pub game, large drink (6)
14
Actor’s cut in just behind the scenes? (2,3,3)
15
Giant biblical character sweats, say (7)
17
Superiority in mother dear’s stifling? (7)
20
Whips offender has sliced through geezer (8)
22
Pointer for example that’s pointed (6)
23
2 laid into by flipping nasty person, a critic (10)
26
Bubbly thing, robot excited always (4,4)
Down
1
2 left out in choice of painter? (4,4)
2
12 for the prize, nothing less (4)
3
Image abbreviated in petition, work of art (6)
4
Right way up after endless worry (7)
5
One lending money, I say banks not done with it (8)
6
Crew bales out over capital in Europe with word of benediction (4,6)
7
Live broadcast after a foreign show (6)
13
Brusque initially, coarse solicitor revealed (7,3)
16
Register that is in use having failed, these acknowledge those who’ve passed (8)
18
Scam with which 2 set up client (8)
19
Something served with fish two 6 and 2 caught, ending on plate (7,5)
21
Article remains in story for talk (6)
22
Box where there’s a lack of evidence, almost up-ended (6)