Why Every Classic Companion Left Doctor Who

31. Carole Ann Ford - Susan Foreman

The Doctor's first companion was, of course, his granddaughter Susan. Played by Carole Ann Ford, Susan was the titular Unearthly Child that kicked off the next 60+ years of adventures through time and space. 

Unfortunately for Carole Ann Ford, she was rarely afforded the chance to play up Susan's unearthly qualities, leading to frustrations for the actress. Speaking to the Radio Times in 2023, Ford reflected that all the "interesting" aspects of the character "were all eliminated after the first episode."

It was this frustration that led to Ford choosing not to renew her contract after the completion of The Dalek Invasion of Earth. Interestingly, David Brunt's book The Doctor Who Production Diary: The Hartnell Years suggests that it might have been a mutual decision. Verity Lambert is quoted in official correspondence saying that the production team has "no desire" to renew Ford's contract!