Eric and Ernie wanted this star to excel (8)
I believe the answer is:
sunshine
'eric and ernie wanted this' is the definition.
The definition suggests a singular noun which matches the answer.
'star to excel' is the wordplay.
'star' becomes 'sun' (the Sun is a star).
'to excel' becomes 'shine' (I've seen this in another clue).
'sun'+'shine'='SUNSHINE'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sunshine that I've seen before include "that appears at dawn" , "Daily light and warmth" , "Cock" , "In US hens is found this light" , "''You are my ..., my only ...'' (song)" .)