Crossword Genius

Former substitute could be demanding (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

exacting

'be demanding' is the definition.
('exacting' can be similar in meaning to 'demanding')

'former substitute' is the wordplay.
'former' becomes 'ex'.
'substitute' becomes 'acting' (e.g. acting president**).
'ex'+'acting'='EXACTING'

'could' is the link.

(Other definitions for exacting that I've seen before include "Demanding great skill" , "Requiring great effort, arduous" , "Tough" , "Requiring great effort - sounds precise" , "Stringent" .)

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