Crossword Genius

Leave with distinguished performer playing legendary lady (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

godiva

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

'lady' is the definition.
(I know that Godiva is a lady)

'leave with distinguished performer playing legendary' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'leave' could be 'go' (to go is to depart or leave) and 'go' is found within the answer.
'performer' could be 'diva' (diva is a kind of performer) and 'diva' is present in the answer.
No letters remain.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for godiva that I've seen before include "Naked Coventry rider" , "She is said to have ridden naked through Coventry" , "According to legend, she rode naked through Coventry" , "Lady ...... made Peeping Tom peep" , "Coventry's Lady" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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