Thanks for your replies guys.
Long term, I would like to follow an airline career, it is my long term ambition.
Yes I am currently working towards my PPL.
I see what you guys are saying about the ATPL exams, and the instructor theory. On one hand in terms of effort it would not make sense to do both as it would be double effort. On the other hand it by the sounds of things, would allow me more flexibility in terms of not being constrained by the time limits of ATPL theory exams expiring.
I suppose on one hand, I do not want to get into a position where I have a lot of hours and an opportunity comes along, and I am spending time doing ATPL theory, CPL and I/R, which I could have done a long time ago.
Thanks for you help guys, I will have a further think and possibly come back on this.