The set of 26 clues leads to solutions beginning with A to Z, one per letter, which then have to be fitted into the grid wherever they will fit. The numbered clues are normal.

A Like carrier, off course (6)

B Instrument from Juliet at ferry port, cycling (5)

C Court case condemned Glitter (9)

D Overdid a little drink – date is off (10)

E Bird at 36 lough (4)

F Loud isn’t very soft (5)

G Cricketer Joel’s stores (7)

H Worker lost diamonds alone in Star Wars (3,4)

I Flag girl’s husband from Cork, say (5)

J Port and orange (5)

K King missing Queen at German monastery (7)

L Resounding soccer win repulsed singer (6)

M Spread you love or hate! (7)

N Immigrant’s child in Boston is eight (5)

O Truly sorry, empty, to make return journey (7)

P Singer in church introduced by priest (6)

Q Queen’s radio broadcast, for example, at French FO (4,6)

R Fashion items thugs picked up (5)

S One holding hot stones (7)

T Loo for hire – I entered (6)

U One holding adult Christian (5)

V Feud over 500 gatecrashing ground at event (8)

W A question of property (5)

X French boy, cross, with a German quartet (6)

Y Shetland isle’s calls (5)

Z Nick losing head following unknown love (5)

Across

1 Absurd mothers tailored beachwear (7,6)

9 A child of 5 as friar (7)

24    Sole card game in part (5)

25    Essentially fervent SA plots (5)

27    Grass to spare, maybe (7)

30    Law in French ‘Thou art in public’ (7)

35    Amid beta, lambda and others (2,2)

39    French language clubs in action abroad (7)

40    Is superior to former favourites, we hear (7)

41    Hellfire caver swapped stationery item (5-4,4)

Down

6 Away, using LSD (2,1,4)

13    Sworn enemies – with 1 worn out, maybe (7)

19    Church ushers, say, from Unst? (8)

21    Fruit – lemon gone off (4,5)

22    Priest and maestro talk idly (7)

26    Innocence troubled Venetia (7)

28    Coppers in Yemeni capital cut composer (7)

30    Buffy’s small bed (6)

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A first prize of a £30 John Lewis voucher and two runners-up prizes of £20 vouchers for the first correct solutions opened on 3 August. 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 2761, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP.