IT'S unlikely many of us have avoided a BBC-fuelled debate over the past week.

Under the spotlight in more ways than one, workplaces and after-work drink chatter has likely touched on the public broadcaster's recent revelations.

After Jodie Whittaker was announced as the new Doctor Who, (that's right, a female!) and the organisation's top earners had their salaries unveiled by way of enforced transparency, there has been much debate surrounding both revelations.

Let's start with Doctor Who.

An actress best known for her portrayal as a grieving mother in Broadchurch, Jodie has been a steadily rising star in the world of acting. But of course to many people this is besides the point, because first and foremost, she is a woman.

The decision to 'break' the tradition and hire a female has caused outcry from members of the public and prominent commentators.

With many citing a female Doctor Who being unbelievable (that's right - people want their extraterrestrial, time travelling Time Lord who commutes by way of a TARDIS resembling a blue phone box, to be realistic), her appointment to the role has been met with criticism.

People feel protective over the series, and I get the argument that boys need hero's to look up to - particularly ones who don't fit the mould of your quintessential action hero. But guys, you've had twelve male doctors already, share the love yeah?

In all honesty I've never been a huge fan of the series. Other than watching the obligatory episode at Christmas with the extended family, all vying for couch space as we huddle together to watch the festive episode, I've rarely made time to watch it.

But with the news that Jodie would become the thirteenth incarnation of Doctor Who, I'll admit my ears pricked up. How will this female doctor act and behave? What fresh appeal will she bring to a new generation of fans, both girls and boys?

Whilst cynics might argue that the BBC is using drastic measures to reinvigorate a series reported to be diminishing in popularity, I can't help but wonder, so what?

If the series is flailing as it is, why not take a chance? Would people really rather see Doctor Who die a slow death than hire a woman? There is arguably so much to gain with a female hero and I for one am excited to see what she will bring to the role.

On the subject, whilst the announcement that Jodie Whittaker is to receive the same salary as her predecessor, Peter Capaldi, is welcome news, it begs the question whether it's a desperate attempt to claw back some good PR after the BBC's similar firestorm over salaries.

Last week the organisation was required to publish the pay grades of their top earners. It was by no means hugely shocking, but nonetheless a disappointment to many.

Among the 96 top earners, only a third were women; the top seven earners were all white males; and with highest earner Chris Evans paid at least £2.2million, the disparity between the highest and lowest salaries is made startlingly clear.

Whilst the new Doctor Who is breaking new ground, we need a similar approach taken with the rest of BBC's decisions.

More women and minority groups need to be represented, and this means the high earning spots as well as the new starts.