Just wanted to offer a bit of hope in there stressful times. I couldn’t get a fast track so submitted an online application on 28Apr. Then:
29Apr sent passport to Corby
10May passport marked received
12May application approved
13May passport printed
It’s an online adult renewal so I guess the fastest type of application (no counter-signature needed etc) plus I did use a digital photo booth to avoid issues with the picture. But it’s looking like max three weeks in total with a bank holiday in the middle.
Hope this helps for anyone making a decision about what to do. Good luck all.