Cryptic crossword No 2,358

Hi Hawkins. About time someone popped in to acknowledge this enjoyable puzzle. I haven't done one of yours for a while and this is tighter than your previous ones, so well done. I recall I encouraged you to work on both surfaces and link words and I see improvement in both. Faves inc 8a, 9a, 16a (podium), 19a/22a, 29a, 3d (podium), 6d (COTD - absolutely delightful) and 26d. Thanks. PM