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Thanks again, ianwil - see it now.

Took me a long time to get started but all came together rather easily in the end.

As soon as I saw the Pauline 6d I was immediately taken back to 1992 and the solution was obvious - though how anyone from across the pond could have made the connection confounds me, iirc it was very much a UK tabloid reference.

Thank you Paul.

So Parkrun by the sea cleared the head and I was able to close off the NW finally. I would say to anyone coming after, don't think too much about 1a. I was going off down all kinds of rabbit holes. When I got back suddenly it was clear.

Very tough to get started but the anagrams are a good way in as is 4d when the penny drops. Not Paul's best I don't think. Felt a bit awkward. But thanks of course because I always enjoy the Saturday prize.

FOI 17d and like others also COD.

LOI 21a.

@Rocky

Congrats mate, you deserved it.

Now let's see what tomorrow holds....

Thanks Brendan. It will be nice to finally enjoy a game tomorrow. Which I appreciate will not be the case for you guys. But I'm counting on you doing the decent thing.

I can't find any meaning of "poodle" which gives the solution to 21a. What am I missing?

Definition 2 in Chambers is “a lackey”.

I’m sure this is something really obvious but I’m completely mystified by 11a and can’t make any sense of the clue. I’ve finished the whole thing apart from that one so very frustrated! Any pointers (or other canines) would be most welcome!

bobs11
It's a reverse hidden. Chinese philosphy?

And scrap that - as so often, got it as soon as I’d posted. In fact the problem was that I had the wrong final letter for 1d