Crossword Genius

Stage favourites returned (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

step

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

'favourites returned' is the wordplay.
'favourites' becomes 'pets' ('pet' can be a synonym of 'favourite').
'returned' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'pets' written backwards gives 'STEP'.

(Other definitions for step that I've seen before include "Manner of walking" , "little walk?" , "'Stage, rung (4)'" , "Set foot down on pest" , "short distance" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Times.
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