Crossword Genius

Socialist vessel - favourite star treatment (3,6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

red carpet

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'treatment' is the definition.
(I have seen 'special treatment' mean 'red carpet' so perhaps 'treatment' could also mean 'red carpet')

'socialist vessel favourite star' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'socialist' could be 'red' (red can informally mean a socialist) and 'red' is present in the answer.
'favourite' could be 'pet' (synonyms) and 'pet' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'car' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for red carpet that I've seen before include "base for celebrities" , "Roll this out for VIPs" , "laid down for the elite" , "for star treatment" , "It's rolled out for special guests" .)

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express and The Mirror.
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