Each Across unclued light is associated in the same way with a Down one (one of two words).

        Across

   1    In small conurbations, transport deficiencies (10)

   7    Walk from Piraeus to Athens (4)

15    Huge resistance from masculine self-importance? I wonder (6)

18    PM’s residence about to receive first of rock stars (5)

19    Correct uncle, and head’s bitten off (5)

25    Cheers afternoon, taking in TV hospital show (7)

26    Excellent on Polish and Persian verse (5)

27    A line gets out of position rapidly (5)

29    Dull, like a little lake? (7)

32    Catch simpler-sounding shapes (8)

34    Final words in row more rubbishy (7)

38    Gang steals rupees, lots of them (5)

39    Funny remark about large villain of Dickens (5)

40    Cornish to leave failing clearing-house association (6)

41    Expected to live after I’ve lost fight (4)

42    You, say, taking October working with me for author (7,3)

43    Bridge international taking over (4)

44    Elite troops, hard band (4)

45    Freshly set ode did fine in poetry competition (10)

         Down

   1    Lots, including oxygen, up one’s nose (5)

   2    A chap grabbing one violently (5)

   3    Couturier’s name once blanked by TV station (6)

   4    Not all up for covering miles in hike (5)

   5    Thoroughly assigned to section 8? (2,5)

   6    Aggressive cricketer in front of square left false stroke – runs! (7)

   8    Sort of mirror, double width, a toy to play with (3-3)

   9    Such a critic to provide ammunition for head of committee (8)

12    One man dropped in first to see new mums (10)

14    Under mountain, hate to move (7)

16    To fill hole wife hires idiots (8)

23    Handled a horse in the sea (7)

28    Fastidious type with no time for online film? (7)

31    Greeting, pokes modest attire (6)

35    Politician leaving muffin for condiment jar (5)

36    A part of mouth blows up following spicy dish (5)

37    Young salmon, special: what it is caught with? (5)

Download a printable version here.

A first prize of £30 for the first correct solution opened on 16 October. There are two runners-up prizes of £20. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2624, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP. Please allow six weeks for prize delivery.

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