| HOTHEADED | Took the lead with a fresh product, initially, although rather headstrong (3-6) |
| LAVED | Took the lead with a number scrubbed |
| HESITANT | Did he take a chair with a new tome, initially, although insecure (8) |
| TEENAGER | Youngster ate green fresh product (8) |
| GRIN | Ring the last in the lead with a broad smile (4) |
| TOPBANANA | Leader to lead with a venerable lady in the family (3,6) |
| BIGGRIPPA | Lead with a studded surface, holds fast in flow (3,6) |
| GETTINGON | Working hard although rather old having employment (7,2,4,3,3) |
| APPLIANCE | A product initially used in place of household gadget (9) |
| PIONEERED | Took the lead from sanctimonious individual left holding drug (9) |
| WENTAHEAD | Continued - took the lead (4,5) |
| ALCHEMIST | One who took the lead, going for gold? |
| MISGUIDED | Foolish schoolmarm reportedly took the lead (9) |
| DRESSY | Come into line, by the end, although rather showy (6) |
| SECONDRATE | Back up an artist at a vacant theatre, although rather mediocre (6,4) |
| WITHTHEJOB | Working hard although rather old having employment (7,2,4,3,3) |
| MEL | A-lister who took the lead in Braveheart (3, 6) |
| GIBSON | A-lister who took the lead in Braveheart (3, 6) |
| AHEAD | In the lead with the finish line in sight (5) |
| GOOD | Grunge performed by elderly lead with a wheeze (4,4) |
