7D (two words), performed by 40A (two words), suggests the other unclued lights, which are all similarly amended forms of words of a kind. A final ‘7D’, itself a thematically appropriate word, must be highlighted in the final grid.
Across
1 Actor, you said, departed with a hook (8)
8 Young bird from e.g. Spain returning (4)
11 Pet perhaps I put on rocky shingle (7,6)
15 Son, rugged and skinny (7)
16 Mythic work almost included from the east (4)
23 Cricket side permits decorative items (7)
25 Parisian to go with soldier caught reacting badly? (8)
26 Deviation from course, meaning to get on (8)
27 What crooks do with wrong conclusion (6)
29 Make good choice between relaxation and drug (7)
33 Tiny organisms in northern station (7)
34 Asian plant in undergrowth I risked turning (5)
35 Old uncles seem dubious (4)
38 Leave one’s home, wanting good ruler’s territory (7)
39 Figure husband’s boarded plane? (5)
41 Sporting champ remains, having energy (4)
42 New map with facts for health facilities (3,5)
Down
1 Idiot cycling around getting skittle (7)
2 Article by doctor for massage (2,2)
3 Neural changes in part of arm (6)
4 A school’s maintaining soft features (7)
5 Loud noise, day after day (4)
6 Suited worker, say, crossing river (6)
8 Electronic record in storehouse (5)
10 Needle compilers following fashion, mostly (6)
13 Pick current film for positive person (8)
14 Gradually stop holding a tart out (5,2,1,4)
20 Old actor close to Nathan Lane at first (6)
21 Father in empty garage with superior clothing (8)
22 Members warning politicians about money (9)
27 Working with earl, attempt’s not repeated (3-4)
28 Dull covers European put on special boats (7)
29 Green nuts seared (6)
30 Tip-top spree around Roman province (6)
31 Is American protecting life-force and bones? (6)
32 The Spanish guy, about to carouse (5)
36 Measure heap in disarray (4)
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