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This has been a monumental struggle to complete, and there are still three clues (6,24 & 25 down) that I still can't fathom out, although I know the answers and which category they are in. It was only spotting the phrases, one from the 16 clues and one in the grid, and a name in the grid that allowed me to parse at least a dozen clues that had thus far eluded me. IMHO there are some very good and ingenious clues and an equal number that, to me, seem to border on being unfair.

6d Make Sooty "Bi", wanting single husband (6)
Bismuth -i -h giving bsmut around unclued e = besmut.
24d Casanova stealing just a little kiss from Patsy(7)
Sucker -k giving sucer around unclued ed = seducer.

Thanks krauton, I never associated "Bi" with bismuth - another cracking clue once you see it! As for 24d, highlighting the wrong "E" in my grid for 27a didn't really help me either.

25Dn

ROUCOU.

University College (UC) is gagged by some initials…

Thanks H1982 - I can now put it to bed.

Just one left to parse with everything else done - 36 across with possibly 4th and 6th shaded (I guess) and therefore not in wordplay. I assume the answer is those who earn but can’t get how it works.

36a They're paid to travel distance(7).
Fares around unclued n and s giving farness.

Help please. I have full grid, a phrase and a highlighted shape of useful domestic item. Is the theme to do with the inventor of that item? Or a modern music band of 3 initials?

The inventor (maybe check your spelling for 18a?).

Thank you drxx, all sorted! Very good ending. Only question left is whether there is any relevance to this weekend’s dates? I only found 21 Oct had any significance.