Good luck getting through, let me know if you have any positive developments!I'm in a very similar situation.
AOR June 2020 - I've been out of the country throughout my application, however, they still sent me the portal email back in June. I replied straight away but, of course, it's been radio silence since then.
I'm going to try calling the London office tomorrow just for fun.
I'll let you know if I get any updates on my application