The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word COMEDIAN
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
C
O
M
E
D
I
A
N
More clues leading to the result COMEDIAN
- Comic show needs help over name
- Entertainer’s average partner?
- Joker entered, having failed grammar, claiming top mark
- Joker with trick taking in broadcasters etc.
- Arrive before loud noise envelops a stand-up performer?
- . Do cinema up to show The Joker?
- Firm with a particular value, one seeking to provide entertainment
- Wag papers etc during trick
- Entertainer and press taken in by scam
- Conservative with round middle is source of jokes
Buddy explains!

The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does COMEDIAN mean?
COMEDIAN noun- An entertainer who performs in a humorous manner, especially by telling jokes.
- (by extension) Any person who is humorous or amusing, either characteristically or on a particular occasion.
- A person who performs in theatrical plays.
- A writer of comedies.