Oh Shaneystar ! I'm stuck in exactly the same boat as you! But I have one further problem ... does 16a begin with M .? .... I don't need to know anything more as I've got the rest of the letters.
I'm glad it's there, as I was wondering whether I ought to suggest that you splashed out and bought the newest edition of Chambers. I think, probably, that like me, you weren't really expecting it to be 'ou' so you weren't looking properly.
I knew about 25a anyway and expected her to be there, but as a woman I was surprised and delighted to see 15d also dining at the top table.
I thought it was a very good crossword ..after getting a couple and drifting along with thinking they were people from sort of academic conference I then realised what the setter meant by table !.
Thanks for your help and good luck .x