Quack doctor in love with Patricia Hodge's top (9)
I believe the answer is:
homeopath
'quack' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'doctor in love with patricia hodge's top' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'doctor' could be 'me' and 'me' is present in the answer.
'love' could be 'o' (love means zero in tennis) and 'o' is found within the answer.
'top' could be 'hop' (hopping is a kind of topping) and 'hop' is found within the remaining letters.
The remaining letters 'ath' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for homeopath that I've seen before include "Alternative practitioner" , "therapist" , "one offers treatment" , "he treats you, naturally" , "Quack perhaps" .)