'Uncle Ricky': deep down inside, a father (6)
I believe the answer is:
cleric
'a father' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'uncle ricky deep down' is the wordplay.
'CLERIC' is hidden within the letters.
But, I am uncertain how the hidden word is indicated.
'inside' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for cleric that I've seen before include "Priest, religious leader" , "Person ordained to the Christian ministry" , "Church minister" , "Type of cloth, perhaps" , "Divine" .)