Congratulations!! Marie13 is right, a lot initially is just go diving, being mindful to be safe. I understand England has a very big club diving scene, I would hook up with that if you can. They might encourage you to join their training system, which is likely also a good path. Often it is people as much as systems, so poke around for a group that works for you. You can also practice skindiving drills (mask clears, ditch and don, different types of kicks) in the pool with out scuba which is a great idea, and a good way to stay in shape. If you can play around for an hour in the pool in skin gear doing drills, playing with different kicks, your likely a safer and happier diver. I do that here. Just do not get the lifeguards nervous.
I did most of the core non leader training all together at the start, which is not always the best path. Intermixing training with experience is likely best.
Nitrox is an easy land class that helps explain theory better and helps to keep you a bit safer; buoyancy control is always key. If you are stuck on land, first aid, CPR, and O2 complement the water side in case anyone has issues. The usual suspects for what next are: dive so you settle in and have more context and enjoyment, buoyancy and trim (always key, alway key, always key), night (a new environment), navigation (orientation underwater is alway a good thing..), deep (more theory understanding, planing your air for each dive phase, solving issues underwater, and if you want some deep boat dives).
Edit: A recent tread on what to do in AOW might be helpful, though it does not answer your question of what each of us did.
Which PADI AOW specialties.
In answer to your question, lots of peoples stories are here:
How Did You Find Your First Scuba Class?
I'll check out the threads you've linked as well
