Independent on Sunday 909 by Quixote – a problem or two

Some difficulties, with this – any help appreciated – all covered below. (thanks Neildubya for explaining it)

Solving time (if I’m right about the doubtful one): 24 mins

* = anagram

ACROSS

1 S KATE BOARD “Second woman to join the bosses – that gives an opportunity for 10”

See notes on 10 across below

10 “Actor taking drug company apart” (Cocaine less co – thanks Neildubya)( This is my doubtful one C?I?E (All the crossing entries are covered in this blog). My guess is Michael CAINE, the film actor, but I confess that, if that is so, I cannot understand the wordplay at all. There are a few other words that fit. Will update when solution appears on Sunday (or beforehand if anyone can advise). What does it have to do with 1 across? Usually, when I think there may be a mistake in a crossword, I find it’s my own mistake, but I am tempted here to think 10 should be 12 (see 12 across below), but maybe another answer for 10 would explain it.

11 S EMBLANCE (been calm)*

12 W (HEEL I) E You could do this with a skateboard, so I wonder if that should be the link to 1 across.

13 A PO GEAN

14 AFTER S

21 STATION (ery)

21 C (ADD IS) H add = sum

25 IT (IN) ERATE

26 VIRUS (survi)* 5/7 is close to 70%

27 MA’S TERM IND

DOWN

2 (1st word crossing 10 across) KNEEL “Neil” or “Neal” No doubts about this.

3 TA’S SET

5 ALL COMERS Fave clue.

6 DANTE ALIGHIERI (right idea a line)* Very appropriate wording for anagram.

7 (2nd crossing 10 across) SCOW(l) Looks right, but with just one certain letter (W), maybe it’s something else…

8 (3rd crossing 10 across) LIBERTARIANISM (Librarians, time)* Another very good clue. No doubts about this.

9 LEAN E (D ON) Don = fellow

16 S AY

18 (c)LINK AGE

20 S CREAM

23 DE (V O) N

24 HO (u) SE U = Uranium (radioactive element).