The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word DOTED
D
O
T
E
D
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Well loved" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case well loved = doted.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 DOTED mean?
DOTED verb- (usually with on) To be weakly or foolishly fond of somebody.
- To act in a foolish manner; to be senile.
- Stupid; foolish
- Half-rotten