Female, an ardent supporter (3)

I believe the answer is:

fan

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'ardent supporter' is the definition.
'fan' can be an answer for 'supporter' (fan is a kind of supporter). I'm unsure of the 'ardent' bit.

'female an' is the wordplay.
'female' becomes 'f' (common abbreviation).
'f'+'an'='FAN'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fan that I've seen before include "Cooling device or disciple of performer" , "Device to cool the face" , "Aficionado" , "Keen follower; cooler" , "Devotee; ventilator" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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