Crossword Genius

Compel a fellow to become publicity bod (5,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

press agent

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'bod' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'compel a fellow to become publicity' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' is within the answer.
'fellow' could be 'gent' (synonyms) and 'gent' is located in the answer.
'publicity' could be 'press' (I've seen this before) and 'press' is located in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for press agent that I've seen before include "Person seeking favourable publicity on behalf a client" , "PA" , "PR person" , "publicist" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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