This crossword No. 1177 clues and answers were published on Sun 22 Apr 2018 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Speedy Crossword No. 1177 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Lower part of a wall, differently decorated : DADO
3-across – Situation of impending danger : REDALERT
8-across – Stratagem : RUSE
9-across – Turncoat : APOSTATE
11-across – Profusion : CORNUCOPIA
14-across – Choice : OPTION
15-across – Lose temporarily : MISLAY
17-across – Gripping book : PAGETURNER
20-across – Prejudiced in favour : PARTISAN
21-across – Chinese dynasty : MING
22-across – Sexually abstinent : CELIBATE
23-across – Steer clear of : SHUN
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Company board member : DIRECTOR
2-down – Separate : DISCRETE
4-down – Utilise : EMPLOY
5-down – Of good omen : AUSPICIOUS
6-down – Question paper : EXAM
7-down – Swarm : TEEM
10-down – Stranded : OUTONALIMB
12-down – Soft-soap : BLANDISH
13-down – Lightest element on the periodic table : HYDROGEN
16-down – Perfectionist, sophist : PEDANT
18-down – Heroic : EPIC
19-down – Spoken : ORAL
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.