Crossword Genius

Giant bullied Hearts players (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

orchestra

'players' is the definition.
(group playing music)

'giant bullied hearts' is the wordplay.
'giant' becomes 'orc' (I've seen this before).
'bullied' indicates an anagram.
'hearts' is an anagram of 'hestra'.
'orc'+'hestra'='ORCHESTRA'

(Other definitions for orchestra that I've seen before include "Sort of stall" , "A number of musicians" , "kitchen setting?" , "LSO, for example" , "Musicians, maybe in theatre" .)

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