Why Every Classic Companion Left Doctor Who
9. Lalla Ward - Romana 2
Mary Tamm is said to have suggested Lalla Ward as a potential replacement, in an attempt to keep Tom Baker happy. Having previously played Princess Astra in the season 16 finale, Ward played a regenerated Romana who had chosen to wear the face of her Armageddon Factor character.
Lalla Ward and Tom Baker embarked on a tumultuous romantic relationship while filming City of Death in Paris. These peaks and troughs led to an often uncomfortable atmosphere on-set, particularly during production on season 18. Lalla Ward had requested to leave the show before the end of her contract, but incoming producer John Nathan-Turner declined her request.
It was while staying on for those remaining months that Ward rekindled her romance with Baker, and the pair married in December 1981. They divorced 4 months later.