Spectator Xmas Puzzle

[djawhufc]

Hi all

It's up and is a double puzzzle so there won't be one next week.

Looks intriguing.

Enjoy

DJA

[kayakamina]

Thanks Daniel

Even though it is supposed to last us two weeks I don't think I'll be able to resist the temptation to start on it today!

[roslyn251254]

Hello K, I cheated and made a start last night - it's a good puzzle!

[kayakamina]

Hi Ros

I wish you hadn't told me it is a good one!
Fortunately the cricket is on to distract me.

K x

[whatsthat]

Thanks Daniel, as always.
Has anyone got the winners of 2090?

[roslyn251254]

K - I haven't finished yet by any means but getting there!

whatsthat:
First prize Christopher Bull, Fleet, Hampshire
Runners-up Jason James, Cambridge; Kevin Ward, Quorn, Leicestershire

[whatsthat]

Thanks roslyn - well, I did win once some time ago!

[shaneystar2]

Many thanks DJA
We obviously won't see you next week as it's a double so thanks for doing this for us every week .It's very kind of you .Wishing you and yours all the best for Christmas and the New year
Shaney .

[maurice]

I know it's early, but can anyone who has the clues in front of them give any tips for my last dozen? If not, I'll supply them later on (a lot to trype!).
Across: 35 51 52
Down: 22 25 31 32 36 42 43 46 90
I daresay someone's already finished! At least the "theme" was pretty easy to guess early on! And it's a very enjoyable one!

[roslyn251254]

maurice - you should have all of them by now via various emails!

[barryjbutler]

Many thanks Daniel and can I add my special thanks for your great service every week. Have a nice festive season and I look forward to your next offering (presumably 27th?)

[maurice]

OK, only one left now:
(90d)"Some jester, Zulu blanked" (3 letters)
I have ?N?
Any ideas (with explanation)???

[professorplum13]

(Z)ANY

[maurice]

Many thanks, Prof Plum: just arrived there too!
Merry Christmas!

[djawhufc]

Thanks for all your good wishes. I'm only too pleased to help. It seems a bit early but I hope everyone has a merry Xmas and an exuberant New Year

[Neveracrossword]

Can anyone help with two small ones?
40 A. There follows soprano(unaccompanied) s???o
54 A. Jack's dull and dejected without wife (5) ?a???
Thanks.

[saladdodger]

secco
matlo(w)

[Neveracrossword]

Many thanks.

[Neveracrossword]

Have almost finished, but struggling with these.
79 A. Mummy gets attention over in meeting-place (5) ???a?
(possibly ??ra?)
45 D. Smart question for knight in copshop (5) ?u?c?
I can see quick/smart, but don't understand the rest of the reasoning.

[JULIEWOOLIE]

Thankyou Daniel for all the Speccies this year!
Merry Christmas to you & your family,Its going to be a special time for you both, your daughter will be so agog with it all!
Thankyou again
Julie

[Neveracrossword]

Got 79 D - phew!