2669: Partners in crime

Four pairs of unclued lights are all similarly linked.

                Across

5               Mark sample of class essays (6)

9               I’m beginning to like hot chap’s twinkling of an eye (10)

14            Beginning of oxidisation on iron container? (3)

17            One who chooses mixed ramen (5)

18            Of sound mind, regularly returns wearing gold ring (5)

20            Followers regret taking European money (7)

22            Half of Earth’s journey round Sun used for retaining heat … (7)

24            … is lacking energy in orbit (7)

25            Direct lines to the centre of Leningrad I installed (5)

26            Biting cold and dry outside (5)

28            Frank doffs cap to old money (7)

31            Shooting Night Hunter in Crosby? (7)

33            Go over old misfortune (7)

37            People like you pay elevated energy rates suspiciously at first (5)

39            Jug broken? A farce! (6)

40            Drop backchat (3)

41            He’s cruel, despicable, heartless, wild. Pick a different date! (10)

43            Remarkably fine (4, 4)

                Down

1               Table-thumping? (7-6)

2               Diamond ring tucked into case of roguish doctor (5)

3               He raps about help getting to the top (6)

4               Food transporter cycles mile around university (5)

6               Muppet’s mode of transport (7)

7               Make a mistake with commission (6)

8               Every now and then poodles rolled in mud (4)

10            New dramas in old city (6)

11            Ray’s ill, I’m upset too (9)

12            Navigation aid where Nile gets windy (8,5)

13            Tightrope walker’s pole gets cut in the middle (8)

21            Suffering ennui, so I get organised (8)

23            Regret concerning inspector (7)

27            Cook with fat ocean fish (4,3)

30            Ban on large amount of ale (6)

34            Steady couple (5)

35            Row of popular guests (5)

36            Use wind power? South Africa replaces a third of fossil fuel (4)

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A first prize of £30 and two runners-up prizes of £20 for the first correct solutions opened on  16 September. Please scan or photograph entries and email them (including the crossword number in the subject field) to crosswords@spectator.co.uk, or post to: Crossword 2669, The Spectator, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP.