10 Biggest Feuds In Doctor Who History
2. William Hartnell V Innes Lloyd
The generally accepted story of William Hartnell's departure from Doctor Who is that the man had grown too old for the rigours of television, causing him to flub lines at a time when film reels were at a premium. The departure of producer Verity Lambert, with whom Hartnell had a strong working relationship, effectively spelt the beginning of the end for him.
Innes Lloyd took over the producing reigns from Lambert and from the beginning he struggled with Hartnell. The actor was both set in his ways and convinced that he knew the role better than anyone else. His fellow cast was of the old guard, loyal to him and to Lambert's way of dealing with him.
Lloyd's first suggestion was to have the Doctor zapped into dust mid-serial, returning with a completely new face. This idea was shot down, though the idea of a face-change never went away. It was in fact Innes Lloyd who originated the idea of regeneration, one of the most important elements of the show. However, ousting Hartnell took some work. First, his castmates were gradually replaced. Then, the amount of 'science' in the show was increased, which bothered Hartnell, who preferred to see the Doctor as a wizard.
Eventually, the story of his ill-health was used to cover his replacement on the show.