In 2017, Paine reprised his role of Clive in Neighbours, twenty-eight years after he had last been on the show. Paine's return came after he made an enquiry to the Neighbours production team via his agent. He had been asked to return previously but could not because of family and other work commitments. Paine remained with Neighbours on a recurring basis, filming episodic blocks while also working in a university. The role saw him working with Colette Mann, with who he had previously co-starred in theatre work. Paine also secured a guest role in an episode of Nine Network's Bad Mothers.
