Could she be Ernie after transformation? (5)
I believe the answer is:
irene
'transformation?' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'could she be ernie' is the wordplay.
'ernie' anagrams to 'IRENE'.
But, I'm not clear how this is indicated.
'after' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for irene that I've seen before include "Greek goddess of peace (English name)" , "- - Worth, actress" , "Greek godess of peace" , "Girl's name; Soames Forsyte's first wife" , "Peaceful girl" .)