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Found this a challenge all the way - some very tricky clues and quite a margin for error entering them (even with the gimmick being fairly obvious). The endgame is very neat (I think) and, again, tricky to spot even with the generous preamble and disposition.
The best EV for a while for me.

Agreed Drxx. I wasn't aware of a couple of the thematic 'items' to be highlighted so I learnt something new. My only blank cell is the last one in 16 down which I think is L. I just need to check to confirm that.

I think you mean 18d, alwayspuzzled (and I think you're right}.

Thank you Drxx. Yes, I did mean 18 down - a typical typo from me. I've just managed to confirm it by a check through all the definitions of the word for which the answer is an alternative spelling.

I have enjoyed this, but I am struggling to find the last thing to highlight. I have identified 4 in columns 2,5,7 and 12. I have 7 letters to use. Grateful for a nudge that will help me scratch this itch (if I am forgiven an over-rich metaphor cluster!)

Belay my last pipe. I had made a stupid mistake entering an across answer which stopped me seeing the string to be highlighted. All sorted now.

Column 9 Starts at the bottom.

Thanks, alwayspuzzled. That’s what I got. I’d somehow managed to enter 32a as “Azonic” which was what held me up. Pilot error again - as usual!

43a Big bucks earl's spent in places of rest (5) STA?S
Stags?

Stags are big bucks, deer. Stages would be places of rest, think stagecoach stuff say, and drop the E,earl.