Why Every Classic Companion Left Doctor Who

While Elisabeth Sladen graciously stepped aside to open the door to Louise Jameson, the same could not be said for Tom Baker. The Fourth Doctor actor was convinced that he could lead the show by himself, and was therefore incredibly dismissive of both the character of Leela and the actress who played her, Louise Jameson.

Jameson and Baker's working relationship improved slightly after she confronted him on the set of Horror of Fang Rock about upstaging her. However, the strained relations with her leading man led to her decision to leave Doctor Who at the end of her first full season.

There's a happy ending here, however. Jameson went on to become one of the most successful companion actresses with roles in The Omega Factor, Tenko and EastEnders. Tom and Louise made up too, and have become friends in later life.