I'm supposed to be going away with a friend in two weeks and she still hasn't got her passport done! Is it too late now, or is there any way she can get it back quickly?

Very worried!

www.ukpa.gov.uk - details below on passport applications for travel within 2 weeks (doesn't look promising!):

You will need to make a personal application at one of our offices, using either our Premium or Fast Track services. There are additional fees for these services (see What will it cost?). You must make an appointment before calling at one of our offices by phoning the Passport Adviceline on 0870 521 0410.

The Premium service is a guaranteed one-day service (provided it is received before the cut-off time). This service is not available for people applying for a first passport, or to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged passport. Your passport will be made available for collection at your passport office.
If someone is collecting your passport for you, they must provide evidence of their identity and a signed letter of authorisation from you. If the application is for a child, the person who has signed section 09 of the form must sign the letter. A passport can only be issued if the applicant is in the UK at the time of the application.

The Fast Track service guarantees that your passport will be received by first class post within one week of submission (excluding bank and public holidays).
The guarantees for these services only apply if your application is properly completed and straightforward. The onus is on you to provide a properly completed application form and the required supporting documents to confirm identity and eligibility. If the information provided is incomplete, or in our view not sufficient to confirm eligibility, we may not be able to issue a passport in the expected time.

My sister had to get her passport sorted QUICKLY.  One of my dogs ate her new one so we had about a week to get it done.  We went down to the passport office in Liverpool and got it done in a couple of days.  This was a couple of years ago.

Helen