Sunday Times Christmas Crossword 4569

[WilliamRufus]

Dean Mayer continues to set clues that are unsolvable by normal crossword rules. 27a 23 hosting One Direction's first show? No (4) H?D? (My answer to 23a is AMBASSADOR) 26d A tough task keeping top of road level (7) A?R?A?L 31d Old torch regularly seen in cap (7) C?E?P?T Help appreciated.

[scorpiojo]

26 Abreast - a beast + r

[Ouzel]

27a Hide ? HE ambassador with id inside

[Ouzel]

31d Cresset ??

[Ouzel]

^^ se (regularly seen) inside crest (cap)

[WilliamRufus]

Many thanks scorpiojo and Ouzel. Part of my problem was that I had some wrong letters due to an incorrect across solution, which I have now corrected thanks to your help.

[scorpiojo]

You're welcome.

[chiefyb]

Thanks all. I' ve been having a go at the same puzzle. In case you do pop back, WilliamR, how did you get to Ambassador for 23a - A doctor no less upset, or an agent? I can see it's right but I can't make the clue fit.

[scorpiojo]

A MB as sad or?

[dannyk13]

Chiefy b. A doctor= a mb
No less = as
upset =sad
Plus or

[roslyn251254]

a mb - a doctor
as sad - no less upset
or- other ranks/ men/soldiers

[chiefyb]

Thanks people - As sad was the bit I couldn't see.