Crossword Genius

Former sweetheart, doll -- fame spread (3,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

old flame

'former sweetheart' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'doll fame spread' is the wordplay.
'spread' indicates an anagram.
'doll'+'fame'='dollfame'
'dollfame' with letters rearranged gives 'OLD FLAME'.

(Other definitions for old flame that I've seen before include "still 1 across [ALIGHT], it seems" , "Former lover" , "Former sweetheart" , "Ex-lover - the fire still burns" , "Someone once loved" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app