Crossword Genius

Naked king amid fascinated spectators? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

starkers

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

'king amid fascinated spectators?' is the wordplay.
'king' becomes 'K' (chess abbreviation).
'amid' indicates putting letters inside.
'fascinated spectators?' becomes 'starers' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'k' put into 'starers' is 'STARKERS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for starkers that I've seen before include "Bare (colloq.)" , "Slangily naked" , "exposed" , "in the buff" , "Like fairytale emperor" .)

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