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By Maskarade.

Interactive grid
https://crossword.info/jono/Maskarade_Easter_2026

Pdf
https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2026/04/03/Guardian_cryptic_crossword_Easter_special_2026.pdf

A case a déjà vu for Spectator solvers?

I'm surprised there aren't more comments. I thought this was a good challenge - very satisfying.

I am enjoying this and making steady progress but struggling with 26s. A subtle pointer would be much appreciated. Thx.

Enlumined,
If you mean 26d, you need the country IVR code for Lebanon (which is not particularly intuitive) inside a former poet laureate.

enlumined - there's only one 26. If it's that you need help with, it's the code for Lebanon inside a very minor Victorian poet who was Laureate for far longer than he should have been.
Yes, jono - and there's even a 3-word sequence that's repeated - though this time the cement isn't clued ... Doc/Maskarade has been recycling.

Yes 26d - fat fingers! I was trying to fit LB in. Thanks for saving my sanity.

Just about done, tho I need to make a new fair copy to check what I have used. I always thoroughly I enjoy these specials, interesting that the Speccie and the special should use the same theme.

It's the same setter, buzzybee

Quite tricky with so many 6-letter words, but finally got there. I had to write out the word chain in order to solve the last few clues.
I was helped by a recent Peer Review word making an appearance.

I have all the crossers and an answer that means either "essential cheese ingredient" or "cheese ingredient", but am totally at a loss as to the wordplay...

32a - If it is true, it can be swapped for essential cheese ingredient (6)

Like I said, I have the answer so am just looking for the parsing. Thanks