Crossword Genius

Friend is much altered (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

chum

'friend' is the definition.
(chum is a kind of friend)

'much altered' is the wordplay.
'altered' is an anagram indicator.
'much' is an anagram of 'CHUM'.

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for chum that I've seen before include "Salmon" , "Close friend (colloq.)" , "Informally, a close friend" , "Pal, mate" , "Pal, buddy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror and The Daily Express.
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