gbq no. 48.

[Myrtle]

Who is the odd person out among Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Boycott, Lenny Bruce, Zola Budd, Eric Idle, Olga Korbut, John Major, Vanessa Redgrave, Boris Spassky, Margaret Thatcher, and Debra Winger? The majority of their surnames are dictionary words, but I am still stuck. Any kind hints, please?

[Spotty Dog]

There is an odd number of celebrities here. try to "pair" them up by a particular method, and the one you have left will be your answer.
I just picked any two at random, put both names into Google and looked for a link. It may take a while, but you''ll find it.
Best of luck.

[burnham]

Not my crossword - but what about Boycott? He's the only professional cricketer (or ex-cricketer) in that line-up. And Olga Korbut is the only (ex) professional gymnast. Zola Budd is South African ........ I fear it's too subtle for me!!

[Myrtle]

Many thanks for the hint, Spotty Dog. I found what I needed very quickly from Wikipedia.