Cryptic crossword No 3,553

9a went straight in, the counterpart stayed hidden almost to the end- as a delightful discovery to cap a very enjoyable solve. Today’s headliners: 6a, 19a, 22a, 23a, 1d, 4d, 21d. Thanks Gennaro for once again failing to disappoint!

Hi Gennaro. Really enjoyed this. Favourites include 19a (love the misdirection), 2d (for the surface), 1d and 4d (for excellent definitions).

I also got 9d right away, but the extra still eludes me, I'm horrible at spotting the more hidden ones. Some very twisty Lego clues which are always fun to solve. Faves include: 11a,13a,23a, 2d, 4d, 16d. Special mention to the left field-ness of 1d

Thanks Gennaro, that was just about on my level (I failed on 13a and 4d but both were very clever and fairly clued). Favourites included 1d (what a definition!), 11a, 23a (v neat), 26a (my name is Roy so I loved that surface) and 16d.