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)