Cryptic crossword No 524

Thanks Alf for a very entertaining puzzle. I really like a number of you clues 8a, 23a, 25a, 16d and 21d are all on the podium but top by a long way is the excellent 12a. It really made me chuckle. Couple of other comments in reply.

That's another cracker, Alf. We see you all too infrequently but it is always worth the wait. A few 5d clues in here but I laughed out loud at them so they all get a waiver in my book. Favourites include: 8a, 12a, 13a (very neat), 20a, 25a (splendid/lol), 1d, 3d (lol), 5d (huge lol), 14d (and another), 16d (classy). One query on something I just didn't understand in Reply (with Spoiler). Thanks. PM

Great stuff, thanks Alf. I agree with Jeemz that 12a is the class of the (strong) field. Other favourites include 10a (lovely surface), 13a, 1d, 8d, 16d and 17d.

Some lovely clues in this but standouts for me were: 8a 5d 12a 13a 16d 21d. Cheers!

Late to this one but it was well worth catching up on - I always enjoy the playful nature of your clueing style, Alf. I’ll add to the praise for 12a, very nice. 16d also stood out for me for the lovely surface. Plenty of others worth a mention including 8a, 10a, 2d, 3d, 5d.