Sat. Times 24,568

[anikomo]

Last 4 clues just driving me mad. Would really appreciate help.
25a. Spinning old lie about blokes being star-crossed.(3-6).I have ??L ???N?D
18d. Affectionate term for female vet in US. Extremely respectful. (3-4) I have O?D ?I?L
21d.Council's struggle in case of awful boozer.(6) I have ?O???T
23d. Groom with love for jazz band.(5). I have C???O

[kayakamina]

25 Ill - omened

[MarkRae]

25a ILL-OMENED
18d OLD-GIRL
21d SOVIET
23d COMBO

[kayakamina]

23 Comb o

[Mampara]

Why is 18d 'Old -Girl' (other than an affectionate term) ?

[anikomo]

Thank you both so much, for the speedy and enlightening help. I'm very grateful.

[MarkRae]

Vet in US = 'veteran' i.e. an old G.I.
Extremely respectful = RL i.e. the first and last letters of the word 'respectful'

[Mampara]

Ah, thank you.