Crossword Genius

Ray makes star smile (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sunbeam

'ray' is the definition.
(I know that sunbeam is a type of ray)

'star smile' is the wordplay.
'star' becomes 'sun' (the Sun is a star).
'smile' becomes 'beam' (to beam is to smile).
'sun'+'beam'='SUNBEAM'

'makes' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for sunbeam that I've seen before include "Bright ray -- bus name (anag)" , "Ray of natural light" , "Ray of solar light" , "Bright shaft of daylight" , "sheds a bit of light" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.
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