The VC10 was a good aircraft so perhaps commercial failure rather than total failure is more apt. It suffered by being a later in service than it's main competitor, the B707. it was designed to cope with the 6000' runways round the world which the 707 couldn't use, but the US governemnt paid for many runways to be extended so that 707s would be sold.
Also, BOAC didn't want the VC10 in preference to the 707 - higher operating costs were quoted. Boeing's
PR people picked up on it and publicised the fact to great effect The truth was that when BOAC were forced to operate an fleet of about 18 of each, the VC10 was much quicker so the cost of a pond crossing was the same. And the passenger enjoyed the VC10s speed, its quiter cabin, it's bigger seats and the fact it didn't dutch roll its way across the Atlantic - as did the 707!
Also, the pound was strong at the time.
The 10 was (is still!) a great aircraft. Just a victim of circumstance.