Clive Gibbons
Clive Gibbons | |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Fictional character |
| Known for | Neighbours |
Clive Gibbons is a fictional persona from the Australian soap Neighbours, brought to life by actor Geoff Paine. Paine was discovered by the Reg Grundy Organisation and cast in the role of Clive, making his first appearance on 21 January 1986. Significant plotlines included Clive managing a gorillagram service, starting a gardening venture, rescuing Lucy Robinson's life, and entering into a romantic relationship with Susan Cole. Paine opted not to renew his contract to avoid being typecast and because he felt the character had lost credibility, leading to his exit on 27 February 1987. He made a brief comeback in 1989 and returned again 28 years later, appearing semi-regularly from 9 March 2017 as Erinsborough Hospital’s chief operating officer. Paine remarked that Clive had grown but still maintained his "cheeky side." He rejoined the main cast in July 2020 and was featured in Neighbours’ final episode on 28 July 2022.
Casting
Neighbours marked Paine’s debut professional acting role. The Grundy Organisation noticed him during a college theatre production at the Victoria Arts Centre, invited him for a screen test, and subsequently offered him the part of Clive. Initially reluctant due to concerns about the reputation of soap operas, Paine accepted after recognizing the benefits of working in a fast-paced environment with high visibility, despite considering it less prestigious than classical theatre.
Characterisation
Stephen Cook from TV Week described Clive as an atypical television bachelor who did not engage in conventional romantic drama. He portrayed him as "a thoroughly 'normal' guy, a young man having a good time and trying to find his niche in life." Paine requested that no immediate romantic plot be introduced to allow Clive’s character to evolve naturally. He explained that Clive was more focused on discovering his life path rather than pursuing romance.
When first introduced to Erinsborough, Clive operates a gorillagram business. His backstory reveals he is the son of a wealthy physician and had once studied medicine but became disenchanted. Despite this, he performs an emergency tracheotomy on Lucy Robinson, showcasing his medical knowledge. Paine said Clive has distanced himself from his family’s lifestyle, choosing independence and freedom while still taking life seriously.
Josephine Monroe, author of Neighbours: The First 10 Years, characterized Clive as "one of life's eccentrics" who cared about others and frequently involved them in his unconventional plans. Simon Plant from the Herald Sun referred to him as "mild-mannered," while Dave Hogan and Neil Wallis of The Neighbours Factfile described him as "cheerful and slightly wacky," dubbing him Ramsay Street’s "court jester" and an inspiration for the character Henry Ramsay. His gorillagram enterprise caused friction among neighbours, particularly with Max Ramsay.
Upon returning in 2017, Paine portrayed Clive as more mature and somewhat conservative, though his "cheeky side" still surfaces occasionally. Paine enjoys playing Clive as "fun and irreverent."
Departure
After a little more than a year on the show, Paine opted against renewing his contract, concerned about being pigeonholed and eager to expand his theatrical acting experience after transitioning directly from drama school to Neighbours. His exit was publicized in the 8 November 1986 issue of TV Week, with his final episodes broadcast in early 1987. This choice came shortly after co-star Peter O'Brien left to join a competing network’s program. Network 10 maintained confidentiality regarding Paine’s departure, limiting his interactions with the press. Paine later remarked that the character Clive had become somewhat implausible, describing him as "too good to be true" and excessively flawless. Despite the show's strong viewership, Paine expressed no regrets about leaving and felt content with his career trajectory. In July 1989, rumors circulated about a possible comeback, which Paine briefly fulfilled later that year.
Reintroduction
In December 2016, Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison suggested that a former regular from 1986–87 would return in a recurring role connected to a "work environment." Paine’s representatives confirmed he was reprising the role of Clive, with Paine revealing he had initiated discussions about coming back and received approval from producers. Although invited multiple times since his original departure, previous obligations had prevented his return.
Clive reappeared on-screen on 9 March 2017 as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Erinsborough Hospital. Paine observed that Clive had grown more seasoned and professional but sought to reconnect with his earlier life on Ramsay Street. Addressing Clive’s rivalry with Paul Robinson—rooted in a former love triangle—Paine noted they would share "their moments," emphasizing Clive’s elevated career position contrasted with Paul’s shrewd business tactics.
Although Clive appeared as a semi-regular character, he was added to the opening credits in July 2020 due to his popularity and significance within the community. Herbison acknowledged fan enthusiasm for this inclusion, underscoring Clive’s continuing importance to the series.
Relationship with Sheila Canning
Paine hinted at the possibility of a romantic storyline for Clive following his return, which soon developed with Sheila Canning (Colette Mann). Both actors welcomed this pairing, having previously collaborated and maintained a longstanding acquaintance. The couple’s relationship begins with tension, as Clive mistakenly suspects Sheila’s granddaughter Xanthe Canning of theft; nevertheless, he is attracted to Sheila’s spirited nature. Mann observed that Sheila respects Clive’s position as COO of Erinsborough Hospital but remains wary of his intellect. Paine described their characters as contrasting yet complementary, with Sheila eliciting Clive’s playful side and their romance unfolding naturally through their on-screen rapport. The relationship experiences a brief pause when Sheila receives correspondence from an ex-partner seeking contact. Mann confirmed plans for Clive’s return "with a big bang." Their romance continues until 2021, after which Clive embarks on a relationship with Jane Harris (Annie Jones).
Character reflection
When Neighbours announced its conclusion in July 2022, Paine described filming the final episodes as an emotional experience, highlighting the closure of story arcs and collaborating with particular directors and cast members. He emphasized the urgency to complete production swiftly, stating, "There is an end date and we just have to build to it, shoot and get everything in the can." Paine acknowledged that the cancellation was somewhat anticipated due to earlier indications. Regarding Clive’s role in the finale, he teased forthcoming challenges for the character.
Paine explained that his absence in early 2022 was due to theatre commitments, resulting in writers featuring Clive sporadically. Reflecting on his tenure on the show, Paine recalled beginning as an inexperienced actor and famously donning a gorilla suit on his first day, questioning his future in entertainment. He praised Neighbours as a "fast-paced storytelling factory" and appreciated its clever dialogue. He also fondly remembered an inventive Christmas episode featuring a dream sequence with Santa Claus.
Expressing gratitude for rejoining the cast in 2017, Paine noted how diverse characters like Sheila and Jane revealed different facets of Clive’s personality. He valued mentoring younger actors and expressed hope that Home and Away would become a new training ground for emerging talent following Neighbours' conclusion.
Storylines
1986–1989
Clive operates a gorillagram service from Number 22 Ramsay Street, which causes tension with neighbour Max Ramsay but earns support from other locals. He invites Daphne Lawrence to live with him after her engagement ends; she is later joined by her friend Zoe Davis and Mike Young. Alongside running his gorillagram business, Clive partners with Shane Ramsay to establish Ramsay and Gibbons Gardening Service (RAGGS). His medical background surfaces when he performs an emergency tracheotomy on Lucy Robinson to save her life. He admits having left medicine following a fatal error involving his girlfriend Linda.
Clive’s brother Graham, a general practitioner, visits with family and urges him to return to medicine. After an incident involving a robber, Graham's family departs. Clive provides refuge for Susan Cole and her son Sam, developing romantic feelings for Susan; however, she initially shows interest in her employer Paul Robinson. To impress his visiting uncle Ted, Clive asks Susan to pretend to be his wife; Ted discovers the truth after witnessing Susan kiss Paul.
When Susan rejects Paul and accepts Clive's proposal, she later realizes she does not love him and leaves Erinsborough. Clive experiences depression and directs frustration toward Paul but recovers and moves into the flat behind his surgery before departing once again. Two years later, Clive returns briefly, staying at Number 28 during Des's absence; he befriends Melanie Pearson and supports Paul following Paul's marital breakdown. After receiving news about Graham's injury, Clive leaves again to manage the country medical practice.
2017–2022
Almost three decades later, Clive returns to Erinsborough as the new COO of the local hospital. He meets David Tanaka and Aaron Brennan to discuss plans for opening a new spinal unit. Following discussions about attracting donors, Aaron requests Clive's assistance in locating records related to David and Leo Tanaka's father who was born at a Western Sydney hospital where Clive previously worked. Jasmine Udagawa offers financial support for the spinal unit provided Clive ceases his search. Later, Clive admits he called in a favor for Jasmine but found no information about their father. Leo confronts Clive over allegations of accepting bribes; Clive clarifies Jasmine was unaware when making her donation. Clive interviews Brooke Butler for a fundraising position but rejects her after confirming Sheila Canning's warnings that Brooke is fraudulent.
Months later, Clive asks Karl Kennedy to investigate missing morphine supplies. He assists Sheila in checking on her granddaughter Xanthe who is accused of theft. As they spend time together dating and socializing, their relationship deepens but ends when Sheila is contacted by her former partner Russell Brennan seeking closure before moving forward with Clive. Supporting oncologist Nick Petrides’ release so he can advise on Terese Willis's cancer treatment demonstrates Clive's professional commitment.
Sheila offers help organizing community outreach for the new hospital wing and suggests rekindling their romance; after some hesitation they reconcile briefly. Following Izzy Hoyland's $20 million donation granting naming rights to the new wing—much to Paul's displeasure—Clive cancels the project after Izzy departs. This leaves Karl unemployed until offered a research trials role by Clive. When Sheila develops memory issues linked to heart medication, Clive supports her through diagnostic testing.
Karl proposes an MRI screening initiative which Clive declines due to cost concerns. Karl secures funding from Rita Newland who schemes against Clive's position. After rejecting a remyelination therapy trial proposal and initially supporting David for board membership before switching support to Karl to protect his COO role, Clive receives anonymous information about falsified trial data; he shuts down the trial and later offers Karl employment as a GP.
Following their breakup, Clive dates Beverly Robinson but Sheila undermines this relationship leading to conflict; eventually she and Clive have an affair resulting in him ending things with Beverly who retaliates by throwing manure on Sheila. After traveling briefly overseas, upon return he commits fully to Sheila without remarrying her. He supports Sheila through traumatic events including her son Gary Canning's murder and her confession regarding covering up an assault on grandson Levi Canning causing epilepsy complications. When Sheila admits tampering with Levi's medical review documents, Clive ends their relationship and begins dating Sheila's neighbor Jane Harris.
Sheila initially attempts to disrupt Clive and Jane’s relationship but ultimately accepts it as serious. Jane cares for Clive’s fern during his absences; when it dies tensions arise but they reconcile afterward. While house renovations occur Jane’s family hosts him briefly though conflicts arise with Nicolette Stone leading him to move out. He supports Jane when Nicolette flees town following a broken engagement and backs David Tanaka alongside nurse Freya Wozniak during an investigation into Gareth Bateman’s death; he is devastated when they admit allowing Gareth to die.
Jane’s son Byron suspects Danielle Pendbury—one of his escort clients—is involved with Clive; Nicolette catches them together compromisingly prompting Clive’s admission that Danielle is both hospital benefactor and former sexual partner while she was patient under his care. Jane ends their relationship after Danielle reveals that Clive considered spending another night together shortly before Sheila contacts him following her departure from Erinsborough.
Clive attempts reconciliation by appearing in gorillagram costume but is interrupted by Mike—Jane’s ex-lover—and after confrontation becomes intoxicated leading to physical altercation upon seeing Mike spending time with Jane before accepting their relationship has ended permanently. Later he attends a Ramsay Street gathering socializing with Des Clarke among other residents.
Reception
Stephen Cook from TV Week observed that since joining Neighbours, Paine quickly became popular among viewers due to his "nice-guy on-screen personality."
For Neighbours' 20th anniversary celebrations, a BBC correspondent invited fans to nominate their top twenty lesser-known characters; although not officially listed among nominees, many proposed Clive—prompting the reporter to explain that his popularity excluded him from being considered sufficiently obscure. Another BBC writer hailed Clive as the "true genius of Neighbours." Lorna Cooper of MSN described him as "lovely," while Tom Adair from The Scotsman labeled him "wacky." A writer for Lowculture highlighted one of his iconic moments performing an emergency tracheotomy on Jim Robinson's kitchen table as one of the series' standout scenes—a sentiment echoed by another BBC reporter citing it as defining for the character.
Daniel Martin at The Guardian included Clive’s 1986 dream sequence among Favourite Christmas Soap Moments describing it as memorable holiday television showcasing cast members dressed as pantomime characters.
Josephine Monroe’s 1994 publication The Neighbours Programme Guide revealed that due to audience demand for Clive's character there was an attempt in 1989 at launching a spin-off titled City Hospital. Although a pilot episode was produced it failed to secure network approval for continuation. Polly Hudson from the Daily Mirror praised Paine's comedic abilities questioning why he did not pursue opportunities in Hollywood while Laura-Jayne Tyler of Inside Soap celebrated his 2017 return calling him "a real 80s favourite."
Clive earned twenty-seventh place in HuffPost's list of "35 greatest Neighbours characters." Journalist Adam Beresford credited this "loveable" figure with establishing much of the show's quirky tone during its early years while noting that reintroducing him offered longtime fans nostalgic appeal.
References
- Bibliography
- Oram, James. Neighbours: behind the scenes. Angus & Robertson, 1988.
- Apsley, Brenda; Hopwood, Clive; Pemberton, Nick. Neighbours Annual 1989. World International Publishing Company Pty Ltd., 1989.
- Monroe, Josephine. Neighbours: The First Ten Years. Penguin Group Australia Ltd., 1996.
- Wallis, Neil; Hogan, Dave.The Neighbours Factfile. Angus & Robertson Publishers Ltd., 1989.
- Monroe, Josephine.The Neighbours Programme Guide. Virgin Books Ltd., 1994.