Complete
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1 8 10 13 17 21 24 2 18 3 12 11 4 16 22 14 5 9 20 19 6 15 7 23
  1. 1a It precedes the main event (7-6)
  2. 8a Most precious (7)
  3. 9a Gave form to (5)
  4. 10a Bucket (4)
  5. 11a What surrounds a kernel (8)
  6. 13a Ned Kelly, for instance (6)
  7. 14a Spanish madam (6)
  8. 17a Authorised (8)
  9. 19a Pipe for channelling smoke (4)
  10. 21a Secret love affair (5)
  11. 22a Dense group of bushes (7)
  12. 24a Extremists — cut fingernail (anag) (7,6)
  13. 1d Disreputable chap (3)
  14. 2d Pragmatic sort (7)
  15. 3d Suddenly terminated (4)
  16. 4d Cricketing reprieve (3,3)
  17. 5d Set upon in a surprise attack (8)
  18. 6d Shoot from a concealed position (5)
  19. 7d Strike back (9)
  20. 10d Media event for celebrities (9)
  21. 12d Card game played in casinos (8)
  22. 15d Wet weather gear (7)
  23. 16d Putty-style sealant (6)
  24. 18d Look cross (5)
  25. 20d 'New Look' fashion designer Christian ___ , d. 1957 (4)
  26. 23d Secure — connection (3)