Zim national seeking UK passport

[JezzaBelle]

I wonder if anyone can help me with this very confusing issue?

I want to change my expired Zimbabwean passport for a British one. I cannot return to Zimbabwe to renew my passport (don't want to either as none my family are there and I'd be at significant risk) and I cannot apply through the Zim official channels here in the UK because I have not got my essential National Identity card. My UK ancestral visa is still valid for 10 months, so I am not here illegally. I know in theory I have the right to a UK passport, but knowing how to go about getting one seems very long & drawn out and without a valid passport, it means I cannot get out of the UK which is driving my British husband mad as he'd like us to travel.

I believe I need to apply first for indefinate leave to remain when I have 28 days remaining on my visa, then citizenship, then the UK passport, but am not sure if this is correct??

I have been in the UK for 4 years and 2 months on an ancestral visa, there are 10 months valid on it.
I have also been married to a British man for over two years.

So, my questions are:
What are the steps I need to follow for obtaining a British passport and how long should the process take?
Are there any fast track options for me?

I have been given so much misleading information by officials that I don't quite know what to do for the best and I really hope someone on here may be able to give me advice or share experience.

[vinny]

You may apply for SET(O) no sooner than 28 days before the 5th anniversary of your initial entry and before the expiry of your ancestry visa. KOL required.

Subsequently, see also Can I be naturalised as a British citizen? and How do I apply for British citizenship or another form of British nationality?

[JezzaBelle]

Thank you for your help! I had a two year student visa before my ancestral, so altogether I have been in the UK for 6 years 10 months. Could I count the 2 years here as a student as part of my 5 years since initial entry, or does my application run solely on the merit of my ancestral?

[Plum70]

Could I count the 2 years here as a student as part of my 5 years since initial entry, or does my application run solely on the merit of my ancestral?

Solely on the merit of your ancestral visa.