Crossword Genius

Female having to act a key part? (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

doe

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'female' is the definition.
(female deer)

'to act a key part?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'act' could be 'do' (to do is to act or execute a task) and 'do' is found within the answer.
'key' could be 'e' (a musical key) and 'e' is present in the answer.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'having' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for doe that I've seen before include "female of the species" , "Ode to a female rabbit" , "Female hare" , "She eats vegetarian food" , "Feminine counterpart of stag" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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