Crossword Genius

Intersex celebrity's inspiring top (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

excel

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

'top' is the definition.
(excel can mean to better or top)

'intersex celebrity's inspiring' is the wordplay.
'EXCEL' is hidden within the letters.
But, I'm not sure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for excel that I've seen before include "Predominate in" , "Do really well, outshine others" , "Be superior to" , "Do really well as at exams" , "Perform exceptionally well" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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