Had my biometrics appointment in Chelmsford yesterday morning and am relieved to report that I have been approved for ILR! Thank goodness.
I had uploaded everything before my appointment so I was only in the room for 11 minutes. So glad that I didn't have to go to Croydon. I got the email around 3pm so at least the £800 did its job. Thanks for all the help along the way, it's been greatly appreciated.
Now to start saving for citizenship...