Crossword Help Forum
Forum Rules

Geeker, I came here specifically to see how you fared with this. The 5d knowledge (or rather lack thereof) has proved daunting, but I will take another crack.

And I managed to finish. Once I got 8, the rest started to fall. The parsings of 25, 3 and 27, 6 elude me, but I am confident in the entries thanks to the interwebs. I will have to take another look in the morning.
Also discovered that 25 looks like a great place to visit. Never made it south of London when I’ve traveled to the UK.

I feel like I had a distinct advantage here. I have family in 25 and know the area well (pretty sure it’s also where Paul lives).

I detest Paul and normally just skip it when I see it's him. However, like an idiot I gave it a go and after a lot of internet helped have got all but three answers.

However, I am going to leave it now and go in search of a life.

I got 5d from 21a, but I fear some of the references might be topical "royal", so I won't know them.

Making (slow) progress. I've just got an answer to 9a that makes perfect sense, but I can't believe it's tight as it's almost the same as a word in the clue. Surely that can't be it?

No, 9a is not like any word in the clue.

Not LOVIER then, jono? Makes perfect sense!

Indeed, I had a similar thought, but the attention-seeker is actually something you might say to get attention

I've most of the NE empty, but I'm putting it aside now - might (!) be back later.