Across
1
Serving of risotto’s for German lad (4)
4
Nitwit in protective cover taken aback (4)
8
Rescuers here for nonsensical update (9,6)
11
In which defence alas is best form of attack? (3,4)
12
Loudly criticise a prophet’s cure-all (7)
13
Facetious chat overcoming resistance; it helps the presentation (4,5)
14
You can hear part of car stop working (5)
15
Epic tales whichever way you look at it (5)
16
Time invested in joke by paper that affects current events (3,6)
19
Some chic élan demonstrated in Northern location (7)
21
Christmas list – piece of cake (4,3)
22
Pursues lost cause – seeks money at proverbial glue factory? (5,1,4,5)
23
Begrudge diplomat wanting nothing (4)
24
Woman starts to drowse alongside Everyman (4)
Down
2
Combatants of Chester mustered (3,6)
3
Love Prince? He will get love interest afflicted principally: her (7)
4
Elite soldier having hissy fit in defensive structure (7)
5
Something unpleasant afoot? No, a treat for Piglet (5)
6
Decide against show of emotion: that’s rotten (3,3)
7
Give another grade to statement (6)
9
OK? Not quite: demon gin drunk in children’s film (7,4)
10
Wealthy businessman to surprise, finally, Claude and Hewer (11)
14
Liz refurbished helmet endlessly in ancient town (9)
15
Disdainful son humming (6)
16
Justice terribly delayed – energy dropping – without enthusiasm (7)
17
Told any cobblers in realm of children’s tales? (7)
18
10am, rising, embracing German that’s attractive (6)
20
Arouse radiant smouldering – only, naughtily, primarily? (5)