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Let me put it more simply: your idea for 1a was correct. Remove the first 3 letters, add to it the first 2 of your (also correct) idea for 1d, and you have a colour --- so you leave that cell blank! Then there are 9 cells where a very common 3-letter colour has to be entered, eliminating 2 letters from one solution & 1 from the solution that clashes with it. The other 6 cells are all different colours, but you arrive at them in the same way. I think we got confused over the number of letters (namely 1) to be removed from each clue (except 4d) & the number of letters from each pair of clashing answers that are then replaced by the colour itself! Is that clearer now? The real problem when you get that far of course is solving the pretty difficult individual clues. Don't give up yet!

It's very kind of you to assume that my idea for 1 across was correct, but it wasn't. Your solution can have "horse" put in front of it whereas mine couldn't. I had already figured out how we were talking at cross-purposes. I'm currently watching the subject of the crossword, but it's providing no inspiration!. I will persevere, but don't have much hope. Thanks for your hints and nudges.

Sorry, b., you're quite right: I was getting mixed up myself! If you're still puzzling over 1a/1d, think of the "colour" that's not really a colour, you'll see how 1a begins (in conjunction with your "te"), then it's easy. Can I help you with any other specific clue? I would go for the 9 coloured cells with the simple colour: it's clear, I think, why the setter has used it so often.
Another thing: a long solution that has no clashing cells (so is entered straightforwardly) is 25a: first remove the obviously redundant letter from the clue. As 4d is also entered completely unaltered & no letter has to be removed from the clue, you then have quite a useful L shape to continue.

Def. 25: more than one ending
Def. 5: greatly respected
OK?

Yes, I know what 1across is from your post and 4down was one of the first that I solved but it's useful to know that it can be entered without change. I also know what the commonest colour must be (15 of them at the start) so thanks for that help.

I have a full grid suitably shaded in, etc. Where do the words spelled out by the extra letters (the first...........) come in and how does the title relate?? Goodness knows how I've got my full grid without them!

I have 10 red balls. Is that right?

No, it should be 9, plus one of each of the other 7.

I have 2 in the first row, 3 in the 3rd, 3 in the fourth and one each in the 5th and 7th. Please tell me which is wrong before I tear all my hair out.

should be 2 in the 4th crossing of 3d/16a and 10d/18a
others in that row are pink blue and brown