Crossword Genius

Bother celebrity in retreat (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

rats

'bother' is the definition.
(exclamation of frustration)

'celebrity in retreat' is the wordplay.
'celebrity' becomes 'star' (I've seen this before).
'in retreat' says the letters should be written backwards.
'star' reversed gives 'RATS'.

(Other definitions for rats that I've seen before include "Treacherous rodents" , "Damn" , "Rodent pests" , "Heels" , "Mild oath - sewer residents" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.