Across
8. Clown prepared for war, perhaps (4,4) (4, 4) Hints
9. Spot in which I will go fish? (6) (6) Hints
10. Red four from sevens or eights (4) (4) Hints
11. London school probing death on the wobbly bridge (5,5) (5, 5) Hints
12. Pick up only hearts and diamonds then in snap? (3,3) (3, 3) Hints
14. Bridge holiday (8) (8) Hints
15. Hopeless at whist, I could get what it is! (7) (7) Hints
17. Hearts, the first discarded by those not twisting? (7) (7) Hints
20. Old maid and spider? (8) (8) Hints
22. 8 Across blasted, inaccessible? (3-3) (3-3) Hints
23. Brag about drinking always, with office in location adjoining pub (4,6) (4, 6) Hints
24. A little patience, else fish (4) (4) Hints
25. Cheat thus toyed with love, heart surrendered (6) (6) Hints
26. Solo effort’s last seen by retiring footballer, giant (8) (8) Hints
Down
1. 8 Across I’m excited to take on in general (8) (8) Hints
2. Reportedly, celebrity out of work (4) (4) Hints
3. Female agent in support of players’ association was dithering (6) (6) Hints
4. Commentator’s anticipated error – those hanging on by a neck? (7) (7) Hints
5. Partying, where piano found in skip? (5-3) (5-3) Hints
6. A stitch bandaged by beauty, community professional (10) (10) Hints
7. Tool with key finally locked in dilapidated chest (6) (6) Hints
13. Eat greener bananas – and heal (10) (10) Hints
16. Budget ultimately invested in a better groomed animal (8) (8) Hints
18. Preparation for 8 Acrosses, solo and fish (8) (8) Hints
19. Drained cups free to be checked (7) (7) Hints
21. Benefit introducing former network (6) (6) Hints
22. Poker face in game, better concealing that (6) (6) Hints
24. Bounce back in elimination contest, hammering opponent firstly (4) (4) Hints