Star clue (4)

I believe the answer is:

lead

I believe this clue is a double definition.

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

'clue' is the second definition.
(thesaurus)

(Other definitions for lead that I've seen before include "Metal - wire" , "Starring role - kind of pencil" , "Precede into dale" , "Guide,direct" , "item for a dog" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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