Spectator 1861

[greyfox]

Good morning Spectator fans!

http://www.spectator.co.uk/article_assets/arti cledir_1258/629141/crossword.pdf

Re. Spectator 1860 and 'that' clue(22 ac.) I had a reply from Doc who advised that the clue was fine and that 'Nearest' was the answer. I asked for further clarification but haven't heard more since. I guess not all clues can be A1.

[cruciverbali]

Thanks for the link Greyfox,and for the message from Doc. It certainly would have been an almighty coincidence if it had been the incorrect clue !

[Rapparee]

Thanks Greyfox.

I guess the mystery of last week's 22a has been cleared up but not very satisfactorily. It's a pity the Spectator doesn't provide notes with its solutions. I'd love to know where the Gospel comes into it.

[Quizmonkey]

The original clue was always perfectly sound, imho. The suggestion that it could lead to evangel as an answer was never backed up with any justification as far as I can remember.

[Mysterons]

It is strange that EVANGEL seems to fit the clue perfectly, as explained in this thread - perhaps Doc will be able to comment in more detail once the puzzle is no longer 'live'.