Oops. Little revision in order there, Flying Kiwi?
the guy was a Dr and flying over for an emergency case. Tower cleared him straight in,
ATC will usually have some situational awareness/context knowledge and will give you priority if needed (and possible) even if you didn't ask for it and didn't declare an emergency or pan.
I was climbing out when I got a low fuel pressure warning. I only needed to tell ATC "returning with a technical problem" and the proverbial waters parted. Engine never missed a beat, no mayday or pan, no drama but still a non-standard circuit (I was on the deadside at that time) and priority landing. They even managed to verify the number of POB.