Today's Media Guardian has two podcasts of interviews with David Tennant, Billie Piper, Russell T Davies and BBC drama head Jane Tranter, all conducted at Tuesday evening's press launch. The accompanying report concentrates on Davies' "anger" at the "snobbery" of the Royal Television Society and BAFTA for the relative lack of nominations for Doctor Who. "You watch a Charles Dickens adaptation and you're clapping [at] all those antique lace collars, but if you watch a bird woman from the 57th century you don't imagine that someone put two weeks' thought and work into it," Davies said. His criticism concerns the lack of recognition for the talents and efforts of the actors and the crew: "you always sounds a bit stupid raging about awards, they don't matter in the end - but if our design, costume, makeup and effects departments aren't nominated [in the Bafta Craft Awards] I will be furious." Jane Tranter comments that "there is something about Doctor Who that is so effortlessly entertaining that it just doesn't show its colours in terms of quite how brilliant a piece of drama it is ... [unlike] a classic adaptation ... Doctor Who hides the talent and the expertise that's put into it." The Tennant/Piper podcast on the Guardian is the whole of the open Q&A from the press launch; in it, "Mine's for three series." It's at that moment that Tennant observes that "Mine [his contract] is not as simple as that."

The Daily Telegraph, meanwhile, is more concerned with kissing. The first UK newspaper to fret about the implications of Russell T Davies' sexuality for the series in 2003 is now worried that the Doctor and his companion "are being forced into silly roles". This "is the latest in a long line of ludicrous adjustments forced on our favourite characters by PC modernisers"; fans of the series must be feeling "betrayed by a kiss". The prospect of "an enforced sex change" for the Doctor, referring to Davies' comments at the press launch that he would consider casting a female lead, would be part of a trend to follow "political correctness" in "updating" popular characters for "modern sensibilities"; "bisexual" Captain Jack is also part of this trend. Towards the end of the article, DWM editor Clayton Hickman is quoted pointing out that "the time-travelling pair kiss only because one of them is possessed by an evil alien".

BBC Radio Wales has an interview with David Tennant and Billie Piper, recorded at the press launch on Tuesday evening. The interview previews the new series and the first episode in particular, and includes a few clips that have not been broadcast elsewhere so beware (minor) spoilers. The piece can be heard via a report on BBC Wales's Doctor Who mini-site. In the printed article, it states that "Tennant revealed he'd be battling foes old and new in this series, including the Cybermen and a race of cat-nun women, with guest stars including Peter Kay, Pauline Collins and Tony Head. But he said the strangest of all was starring with Elisabeth Sladen, who played one of the Doctor's companions in the 1970s. 'It's a bit surreal,' Tennant confessed. 'When I was a kid she was on the TV playing Sarah Jane Smith. When she's suddenly calling me Doctor, it's a bit of an out of body experience.' He was delighted with the reception the cast and crew had received on location in Wales. 'It's such a joy to be filming here - everybody here has been so enthusiastic and so indulgent of us that we have a really lovely time. So I'd like to thank the people of Cardiff for putting up with us blocking their roads and asking them to go round the long way while we film scenes!'"

Lifestyle Extra says taht "Many lifetimes of time travel and fighting Daleks seem to have finally taken it's toll on Dr Who - leaving him only five inches tall. The Time Lord, who crash-landed his Tardis back onto TV screens last year in a triumphant return has been turned into toy action figure. The figure of 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, sports a distinctly modern look in his pinstriped suit and plimsolls. Male fans are also in for a treat as they can now own a poppet-sized figurine of the Doctor's helper Rose Tyler, played by the beautiful Billie Piper. The action figures have been developed by toy licensee, The Character Group plc in partnership with the BBC to mark Series 2 of the show going on air this spring. The wildly eccentric new Doctor and Rose are just two of twelve 5" figures that are either in stores now or being launched over the next few months. Also available will be the Doctor in his trademark long coat with sonic screwdriver, the Slitheen and the evil Sycorax Leader from the Christmas Invasion, teamed up with companion of past adventures K-9. Following on are the last human, Lady Cassandra O'Brien and the blue-skinned Moxx of Balhoon. just two of the new figures to be launched nearer the summer. Jerry Healy, from Character said: 'Last year Doctor Who products proved extremely popular with both young audiences and die hard enthusiasts. This new range of figures looks set to build on that. As well as the new-look Doctor, we're expecting huge interest in the new K-9 action figure, from fans of the series from the Seventies as well as the current day. A whole generation fondly remember K-9 as an ever-faithful companion to the Doctor.'"

The Christian publication World Magazine says of the US broadcast that "Christopher Eccleston plays the ninth Doctor with the wit and manic energy of the 1970s' Tom Baker, though with shorter hair and a more restrained wardrobe than the other Doctors. (In the series, the Doctor "regenerates" whenever the character is killed or a new actor is hired.) The old series was beloved for its low-budget special effects. In the new episodes, the production values are much higher, but with some cheesiness for old time's sake. When a mysterious entity brings the world's plastic to life, the characters fight department store mannequins. When they pull an arm off of the plastic dummy, they then wrestle the arm. The Doctor defeats the menace with a vial of "Anti-Plastic." The show is simultaneously humorous and serious. One episode has the Doctor and his companion Rose go 5 billion years into the future to witness the explosion of the sun. Here they meet the last human being, evolved into a square of skin with eyes and a mouth stretched out on a frame, hooked to a brain in a jar. Worldviews are rather scrambled in Doctor Who, but there is no sex, bad language, or gore—just weird stuff that might scare or confuse a young viewer. Like Narnia's wardrobe, the Doctor's vehicle has an inside bigger than the outside. Just like the human mind."

Today's print edition of The Guardian asks "What is it with all these nicknames?" and then parodies "a leaked memo circulated among executive producers at the BBC" that it says "reveals some major concerns" about Doctor Who. "1 Girls can't do maths or read maps - surely insurmountable problems when applied to the calculations in 17 dimen sions that a Time Lord must habitually make. Also, cannot afford to spend entire pre-credits sequence waiting for her to park the Tardis. 2 Not keen on whole episodes set in Ikea watching her pick out perfect window treatments for her interplanetary home. Or fretting about ageing effects of time travel. Retinol A must remain name of satellite Gallifreyan moon, not anti-wrinkle cream. 3 Doctor must be eccentric. Can women be eccentric without being covered in cat hair and/or smelling of wee? Research how. 4 Cannot afford necessary pre-launch campaign explaining to Whovians what a woman is. 5 Hierarchical problems. Doctor needs mentally and physically inferior sidekick to be afraid of Cybermen/ stretchy-faced Penelope Wilton/glowy-headed fat people. If Who is female, will need to cast six-year-old boy (or rather 800 of them, because they can't work for more than 10 minutes at a time without some bleeding-heart waving child labour legislation at us - talk to Stephen Daldry if you don't believe me) or tin of Spam. Check whether there is Spam rights group. If so, investigate availability of Jimmy Krankie. Could be years before they sort out what we can and can't do with him. Her. God, this messes with your head. 6 Metaphysical problems. Doctor is same person, regeneration provides new body only. Reincarnating as female suggests feminine aspect has existed all along. Might mark series as camp? 7 Aesthetic problems. Doctor historically not been in any danger of being mistaken for Michaelangelo's David. Tom Baker nice chap but face like a bag of pork chops and Sylvester McCoy frankly disturbing. As ugly women now shot on sight at television auditions, how to cast? Go with Claire Goose and throw acid in her face? (Call her agent.) 8 Insurmountable problem - Time Lady just sounds wrong. 9 On the other hand, we've got to find something to do with Davina McCall."

There is currently a poll running at the US TV Guide magazine site for the favorite new mid-season drama. Doctor Who currently is in second place at 22%, following "The Unit" (42%) and trailed by NBC's "Heist" at 15%, ABC's "The Evidence" at 13% and "Thief" at 6%.

There's more coverage of the press launch (with nothing new added), the TARDISODES and the "kiss" stuff from last night and today at Now Playing Mag, TV Squad, News.com.au, Evening Times, The Stage, Sky Showbiz,Digital Spy, The Register, TechDigest, SyFyPortal,Starpulse, INS News, Indian Television, Contact Music.

(Thanks to Steve Tribe, Paul Engelberg, Peter Weaver, Scott Matthewman, Bill Albert)

The BBC Press Office has this afternoon issued a second press release to promote the imminent launch of Doctor Who Adventures, the new children's comic from BBC Magazines. It says that "the first issue will feature a Doctor Who themed 6-piece stationery set and readers will also have the chance to win a life-size dalek. ... Moray Laing, Assistant Editor, Doctor Who Adventures said: 'Doctor Who Adventures is big, bright and bold, like the series itself. There's something exciting on every page for young Doctor Who fans, who will be immersed in their very own time travel adventure. In the first issue there is a cut-out-and-keep guide to the Daleks and fans can make their own Slitheen mask, perfect for scaring friends!'" Of note is the promise of heavy promotion in the shops, with "point of sale merchandise including shelf wobblers, shelfbarkers and posters. The magazine has also achieved strong listings in all of the key retailers, with the launch issue being heavily promoted." A larger version of the cover is also now available, courtesy a mailing sent to us from the publishers; click on the thumbnail at right for a larger version.

The BBC Press Office has this morning released official confirmation that Series Two will begin on BBC One in the week beginning Saturday 15 April... but still says that the episode is "unplaced" in BBC1's schedule. The report also features a synopsis of "New Earth," the first episode, which we feature below (including a mix-up in the press release regarding actress Camille Coduri). Interestingly, on BBC1's schedule, Strictly Dance Fever is shown as running from 6.15 to 7.15pm on Easter Saturday; a live football match has been confirmed elsewhere as scheduled for 5.15pm on BBC One the following week, which is likely to run until 7.15pm (at least). It may be that 'New Earth' will launch the series in a slightly later timeslot than last year; we'll keep you posted.

There have been a couple of changes to BBC Three's schedules over the next fortnight, along with more details of the content of the Doctor Who Night on Sunday 9 April. The reruns of Series One will still begin with two double bills (episodes 1 to 4) from 7pm on Thursday 6 April and Friday 7 April, but 'World War Three' has now moved to Saturday 8 April at 7.10pm. The double bills resume with episodes 6 and 7 on Monday 10 April and conclude with episodes 13 and 14 on Thursday 13 April. (See list below.)

The Doctor Who Night on Sunday 9 April is comprised of Doctor Who Confidential: One Year On, a repeat of The Christmas Invasion, and another showing of 2003's documentary The Story of Doctor Who

There will also, as in 2005, be another airing of 1960s Peter Cushing movieDr. Who and the Daleks on BBC Two ahead of the new series; this year, the film is on Thursday 13 April at 11.10am.

Advance listings guides are also showing a CBBC repeat of the first Totally Doctor Who for 6.30pm on Friday 14 April. This contradicts the information given in the latest DWM (which suggested Saturday evenings as the likely time for a repeat), but may not reflect the final schedules. The premier of the new children's series is confirmed for BBC One at 5pm on Thursday 13 April.

The updated schedule, along with the US airings of Doctor Who on the Sci-Fi Channel, are now on the Outpost Gallifrey news page's TV schedule in the left-hand column; note that this includes the new series as assumed to be premiering on April 15 at 7pm like noted in Doctor Who Magazine, although as stated in the news story below, this seems to be a bit up in the air as of today. (Thanks to Steve Tribe for compiling this information)

The official website now has a gallery of images from the first episode, "New Earth".

This morning's news report on GMTV is available online from the GMTVwebsite. Also, the press screening was reported on BBC Breakfast this morning as well, featuring a brief interview with David Tennant and Billie Piper, and and some short clips from the episode "New Earth".

The official site has a link to a video news report from BBC News.

Manchester Online expands on the press coverage, noting that "Billie Piper enjoyed snogging the new Doctor Who. 'I couldn't wait to kiss him,' she confesses. 'We only got three takes. That was a bit disappointing,' adds the actress, who plays Rose Tyler, alongside David Tennant as the tenth Time Lord. 'I actually got to kiss Chris Eccleston three times - or was it two? Rose is such a little minx. In with the new, out with the old. She can't get enough.' The new 13-part series, back on BBC1 this Easter, opens with Rose and the Doctor about to set off in the Tardis. She asks: 'So where are we going now?' He replies: 'Further than we've ever gone before.' ... Manchester- based writer and executive producer Russell T Davies, the man who brought Doctor Who back to the screen, confirms it involves another twist. 'They're two very sexy people,' he explains, 'but I think if they ever had a relationship it would kill the series stone dead.' David and Billie are sitting inside the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff, one of the locations in the new series. They sip from champagne flutes but have to be back at work in the morning. 'We've got three days to go and an awful lot of scenes that aren't filmed yet,' says David, on what is day 175 of the exhausting shooting schedule. There's been speculation that Billie, 23, may be quitting. But, along with David, 34, she's signed up for a third series next year. Russell says he'll stay in charge for a fourth series, if it gets the go-ahead. Both actors are currently filming with Bolton comic Peter Kay, who plays evil Victor Kennedy in episode 10 - Love And Monsters. 'It's hard working with Peter because he's so funny and you just can't stop laughing during takes,' smiles Billie. 'I have to pinch myself, inflict pain, to stop myself from laughing. I can't look at him. He's hysterical.' David adds: 'And, of course, he's loving that. The more takes he can destroy the better. I think he sees it as a badge of honour. But he's utterly brilliant and one of the funniest men I've ever met. It's unlike anything you'll have seen in Doctor Who before.' Russell continues: 'We finish filming on Friday and it's like an end of term treat for David and Billie, because they're having such a laugh and it is so barmy being on set with Peter Kay. But it's not a romp - that's quite a scary episode.' ... David says it's for others to judge the differences between him and Salford actor Eccleston, who quit the role last year. Billie then turns and tells him: 'You're more emotional. I like the way you play that stuff.' While there's definite chemisty between the two stars in front of the cameras, off screen Billie is now happy in a new relationship after her amicable split from ex-husband Chris Evans. 'My life has naturally moved on. I'm taking everything in my stride.' Well, almost everything. Last year she was voted Most Popular Actress at the National TV Awards. 'I couldn't believe that. I was shaking like a leaf. I had to have a word with myself on the way to the stage, because I thought I was going to cry. I spent the whole evening in shock, chewing my nails.' Earlier this week, Doctor Who was nominated for a Bafta TV Award. But the lack of any nomination for Billie or her previous screen partner Eccleston, surprised many. She's honest enough to admit: 'I was hoping to be there and I would be lying if I said it didn't mean anything. But I'm 23 and I've got the rest of my life to do it.' Stephen Fry is among the writers already working on series three. There's no shortage of new ideas. Could the Doctor ever reincarnate as a woman? 'I'd do it. I'd have the nerve. I wouldn't blink twice. I think that would be fun,' suggests Russell. Scottish actor David may have something to say about it. Ten million people watched his debut in last year's Christmas special. He's not commenting on reports that he's dating actress Sophia Myles, who guest stars in one of the episodes. But he's having the time of his life. 'The worst bit was before we started work. It's all the hoo-ha that comes with this show. It makes it the most terrifying job in the world. 'When I finished my first day of filming, I remember going home and collapsing with the amount of nervous energy that had been building up in the months previous to getting going. I have had a ball. I might still be here in 40 years.'"

The marketing company Mad.co.uk says that "Red Bee Media has developed the campaign to promote the second series of BBC One's Doctor Who as well as the 'Tardisodes' - extra clips from the show that won't air on TV. The campaign launches this Saturday, 1 April, and will feature the Doctor inviting viewers to join him on a journey from inside the time-travelling Tardis. David Tennant, who plays the Doctor, says in the spot: 'Think you've seen it all? Think again. If you come with me, nothing will ever be the same again.' A separate trail promotes the extra clips available, or 'Tardisodes', and opens with the Tardis resting in a futuristic landscape. The door swings open, a bright light pours out and the sounds and dialogue from a Tardisode is heard. Viewers are invited to text in or visit the BBC's website to receive the weekly clips. Then the door abruptly slams shut, cutting off the noise. Kerry Moss, drama marketing manager at the BBC, said: 'Red Bee Media has created an exciting and engaging campaign that builds on the impact of the first series and Christmas Special. The campaign speaks to child and adult fans alike, promising a brand new set of adventures with the Doctor and Rose'."

The Mirror says today that it "looks like Billie Piper is basking in a golden glow of happiness with everything going her way. Although she confirmed she is quitting Dr Who, she denied plans to head for Hollywood. The 23-year-old star said when viewers see her character Rose Tyler leave the BBC1 show, she wants to try other TV roles. Looking tanned and sexy in a gold short dress, she said: 'I'm loving what's going on here. There's some great telly out at the moment. I haven't even got an LA agent. I'm happy where I am.' Another reason to be cheerful is her screen kiss with Dr Who star David Tennant who she gave a perfect '10' for technique. Billie said: 'I couldn't wait to kiss him. I did get to kiss Chris Eccleston, too. But the kisses were different, They were more intense with David. It was quite sexy.' Her love life is making her happy, too. She has been dating law student Amadu Sowe since her split from Chris Evans. Her only regret is missing out out on the Baftas. She said: 'I was hoping to be there. I'd be lying if I said it didn't mean anything.'" Interestingly the Mirror notes that Billie is leaving the show, despite yesterday's announcements that she's returning...

CBBC News now features an 'exclusive' on the Doctor Who press launch.

There's continued coverage of the press launch (with no additional information beyond what we've already posted) at the official Doctor Whowebsite, Daily Record, ITV, ITN, CityBeat967, This Is London,Brand Republic,Monsters and Critics, Dark Horizons, In The News,PCPro, Addict3d.org, UTV, RTE, MegaStar,icLiverpool.

(Thanks to Steve Tribe, Paul Engelberg, Matthew Godley, John Bowman, Faiz Rehman)

The official Doctor Who website has details on the first issue ofDoctor Who Adventures, the new magazine intended for younger audiences than the official magazine. "Following in the massive success of the 2005 series of Doctor Who amongst younger viewers, BBC Magazines is launching a brand new fortnightly publication aimed at 6-12 year olds. Toni Round, Publisher of BBC Youth & Children's Magazines commented: 'Doctor Who Adventures will be packed with monsters and secrets, and be full of entertainment, action and humour - the must-have magazine for young fans.' Doctor Who Adventures will include original comic strips featuring the Tenth Doctor and Rose, interviews, competitions, puzzles and behind-the-scenes photos. Each issue will also come with a free gift on the cover - Issue 1 boasts a Doctor Who stationery set. Eager young (and not-so-young) readers can get their hands on the first edition from 5 April." The site also confirms that BBC Books' Doctor Who: Aliens and Enemies, a sequel to Justin Richards' "Monsters and Villains" from last year, is now due on May 22.

Alert: BBC Wales Today will cover the press launch this evening at 6.30pm UK time; those who receive the broadcast can tune in for a special preview tying into the press launch.

Meanwhile, coverage of Tuesday's press event has been sporadic due to the press embargo in effect until late tonight (after which we expect a flood of press coverage, which of course Outpost Gallifrey will report to you). Here's a small sample of what's been issued so far:

Today's edition of The Sun has a brief picture story on last night's press launch of the new series. Headlined "It's Doctor Who And The Bra-Dis", the half-page piece has a main picture of David Tennant and Billie Piper and draws attention to the fact that Piper is wearing a see-through top as she "cosies up to" Tennant. It says Tennant "who has taken over from Christopher Ecclestone [sic] as the Doctor . . . has already appeared as the Timelord in a Christmas special" and adds that "Camille Coduri, who plays (Piper's) screen mum Jackie Tyler and Noele [sic] Clarke - boyfriend Mickey Smith - also attended the Cardiff screening." Coduri and Clarke are also pictured. Both pictures are in mono in the newspaper, but the web piece has them in colour.

Coverage, concentrating on David Tennant and Billie Piper arriving at the launch, continues in the UK press with an article in the Daily Star [not yet online] and at U.TV, as well as a piece in the Daily Express noting Maureen Lipman's guest appearance in the series.

Evening Times notes that ""fans today get a sneak preview of amazing scenes from the first episode of the eagerly-awaited new series. The hit TV show - the first full series starring Scots actor David Tennant as the Doctor - will return on BBC1 in the spring. In the opening episode, the Tardis lands in the distant future of New Earth. ... Later in the series, fans will see Phoenix Nights star Peter Kay joining the Tardis. Kay will play "cold and powerful" character Victor Kennedy in episode 10. He landed the role after sending a fan letter to writer Russell T Davies saying how much he loved the first series. However, Kay will be swapping his trademark gags for serious acting. Other guest stars who have signed up to appear in the new series include Maureen Lipman, Pauline Collins and EastEnders actress Tracy-Ann Oberman."

Hello Magazine says that "Billie Piper is fond of describing herself as 'low-maintenance', but at the press launch for Dr Who's second season the actress was looking decidedly sexy in a combo of a sheer taupe-coloured top and white trousers. Her co-star, gorgeous Scottish actor David Tennant, had likewise gone for casual chic in a trendy jacket and jeans. The pair regularly stop traffic in Cardiff where most of the series is filmed. Just last month, for an episode set in the 1950s, diversions were placed in streets near the shoot so modern cars weren't caught on camera. Billie also surprised locals by dressing up in a puffball skirt, zip-up jacket and headband, looking for all the world like an extra out of Grease. Meanwhile, David was sporting sideburns and a Teddy-Boy quiff, which were still in evidence at this week's screening. The second series got a boost when acting veterans Pauline Collins and Maureen Lipman announced they're joining the show's line-up, along with comedian Peter Kay and Tracy-Ann Oberman, last seen doing time for the murder of Dirty Den in EastEnders. Pauline portrays Queen Victoria, while Maureen battles the Time Lord as an invading alien who occupies TV sets. The comedienne was thrilled with her role. 'I had to respond to commands such as: 'OK Maureen, now could you give us 15 seconds of having every last drop of energy sucked out of you?',' she enthused. 'It was great! This will earn me my entire year's worth of street cred!'"

Also, BlogCritics discusses the April 15 announcement. "After the long wait between episodes, the question still needs to be asked: Can David Tennant's Doctor take center stage? In the very first season in 1963, The Doctor (then played by William Hartnell) was more of a background character whose companions were at the forefront of the action while the Doctor figured a way out of the situation given in an episode. Later on, the producers of the series found a way to manage the characters so that both would be allowed ample screen time. Series 1 felt more like a return to those early years, which is fine, but not for every episode. When Tennant took over the role from Christopher Eccelston (who did the Doctor for Series 1) in 'The Parting Of The Ways,' it finally seemed like an actor had stepped in with enthusiasm and interest in the character. As luck would have it, we got our chance a few months before Christmas with the mini-segment 'Children-In-Need' special. Now with this excitement and joy with a new Doctor at hand, we had to deal with whether the result was worth it. For the CID special, I didn't feel it. ... With that out of the way, and April 15th approaching, I can only hope that the show returns to it's full glory and allows it's main hero to take center stage."

(Thanks to Steve Tribe, John Bowman, Paul Engelberg)