Sheila Paine

Geoff Paine took on the role of Clive Gibbons in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, marking his professional acting debut. Initially hesitant about soap opera acting, Paine was discovered by the Reg Grundy Organisation and offered the part. His character, Clive, was depicted as a generally normal young man trying to find his way, with storylines involving a gorillagram agency and a later medical career as Chief Operating Officer of Erinsborough Hospital. Paine departed the series in 1987, citing concerns about being typecast and the believability of the character, but returned for brief periods in 1989 and then more substantially from 2017 until the show's conclusion in 2022. He noted that the character matured over time but retained a "cheeky side".

Geoff Paine's acting career began with his role as Clive Gibbons in Neighbours, a part he almost declined due to reservations about soap operas. Discovered during a college production, he was persuaded to take the role, recognizing the valuable experience it offered in a fast-paced, high-publicity environment. Paine influenced the character's development by requesting that Clive not be immediately involved in romantic storylines, allowing him to establish himself as a "normal" individual exploring his life's direction. Clive's initial persona was that of a young man having a good time and seeking his niche, with early storylines focusing on his gorillagram agency. Later, his fictional backstory revealed a medical background, a path he had become disillusioned with, leading him to distance himself from his wealthy family's lifestyle.

Clive Gibbons was initially characterized as an "eccentric" but "mild-mannered" and "cheerful" figure on Ramsay Street, sometimes described as the "court jester." His gorillagram business caused some local controversy. After about a year, Paine chose not to renew his contract, fearing typecasting and desiring opportunities in stage productions. He felt the character had become "too good to be true." Despite his departure in early 1987, Paine briefly reprised the role in 1989. He later returned in 2017, portraying Clive as a more mature and "buttoned up" individual, now the Chief Operating Officer of Erinsborough Hospital. Paine observed that while Clive had matured, his "cheeky side" persisted. The character was integrated back into the main cast's opening titles in 2020 due to his popularity.

Upon his return in 2017, Clive Gibbons developed a relationship with Sheila Canning, a pairing facilitated by the actors' existing rapport from previous stage work. Their relationship, though initially contentious, evolved organically, with Sheila described as loosening Clive up and bringing out his "cheeky side." This relationship eventually concluded, and Clive began dating Jane Harris. Paine expressed that filming the final episode of Neighbours in July 2022 was an emotional experience, reflecting on the conclusion of storylines and the end of working relationships. He noted the necessity of maintaining momentum towards the predetermined end date of the series.

“I suppose at the time I was a bit too idealistic about the world of acting. Playing a messenger in a gorilla suit might not be King Lear, but at least it pays the rent.”

“Clive tried to reject his medical history, but it was thrown back at him when he had to perform the tracheotomy on Lucy. But he wasn't worried about doing the operation; he just did it.”

“But he's a serious guy who has made a serious decision to have some fun.”

“a thoroughly 'normal' guy, a young man having a good time and trying to find his niche in life.”

“one of life's eccentrics”