MAFS star Mel Schilling shared two overlooked signs of brain cancer before death aged 54

Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling has sadly died of cancer at the age of 54, and she bravely shared her overlooked symptoms in the months before her passing.

The relationship therapist wanted to raise awareness about cancer in the hope that anyone with similar symptoms would get checked out.

She was originally diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023, when 'a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan'.

It was 'successfully removed' and Mel went into remission, but it sadly later returned and had spread to her brain and lungs.

The star has left behind her husband, Gareth, and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie.

She had shared the tragic news that the cancer had returned with a post on her Instagram page.

The star wrote: "Unfortunately, in late February 2024, during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs."

Mel continued: "The cancer had metastasised, and my world changed again in an instant.

"Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026."

She shared her hope and wrote: "Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing."

Unfortunately, she started experiencing two new symptoms.

She shared that she experienced 'blinding headaches' and 'numbness down my right side', which are often mistaken for being harmless or a migraine.

"Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side. After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do," Mel added.

According to the National Brain Tumour Society, 'weakness, numbness, or loss of movement in one part or one side of the body' is actually a very common symptom of the condition.

Cancer Research says that symptoms can 'depend on where the tumour is in the brain', but as it grows, it takes up space, and can 'increase the pressure within the brain', causing severe headaches.

A statement was shared today (24 March) confirming Mel had sadly passed away.

It said: "Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.

"In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.

"This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.

"This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.

"To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.

"On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world."

The statement, written by husband Gareth, paid tribute to other important people from Mel's life, before finishing with: "Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one.

"If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.

"I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.

"Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again."

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.

E4 leads tributes to the 'wonderful' Mel Schilling

Since the news of her passing, tributes have been flooding in for the reality star. Here are just some of the emotional tributes to Mel.

E4

Channel 4's affiliate that airs MAFS said in a statement: "All of us at Channel 4 are incredibly saddened by the news of Mel’s death. Our thoughts and condolences are, first and foremost, with her family and loved ones.

"We’re privileged to be the channel that is home to Mel’s work, which was at the heart of Married at First Sight’s phenomenal success, both in the UK and Australia. It reflected so much about her – her fierce advocacy for other women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love.

"Just as importantly, we’d like to pay tribute to Mel as a person. For many who work for Channel 4, Mel was not just a colleague but a friend, someone who radiated joy, warmth and optimism, who energised every room she walked into with humour and positivity.

"Everyone who knew her will miss all this about her and much more. We share in the sorrow that we’re sure many viewers will now feel at this terrible loss."

Married At First Sight

The official MAFS Instagram page paid a touching tribute to Mel, who worked as a relationship coach on the reality show since 2016, penning on behalf of Michael Healy, Nine’s Executive Director - Entertainment, Streaming & Broadcasting: "All of us at Nine are deeply saddened by the loss of Mel Schilling.

"Mel was a wonderful colleague and friend. She had a gift for connecting with people and helping them navigate life’s challenges. For years, she guided us through the complexities of the human heart with wisdom, honesty, and kindness.

"Mel was a big part of our family, and she will be greatly missed. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with her husband Gareth, their daughter Maddie and her entire family during this incredibly difficult time."

Charlene Douglas

Charlene, a fellow MAFS expert, posted an emotional tribute to her friend on Instagram, writing: "I’m both devastated and heartbroken to hear of the passing of my MAFS queen and friend Mel.

"I had the pleasure of spending time with Mel in her last days and will forever treasure the laughter, the memories and love we had for each other.

"Mel’s love for life, jokes and of course dancing will forever stay in my heart. What I wouldn’t give to be dancing to Beyoncé with you right now. Sleep in perfect peace Mel. Love you."

Paul C Brunson

Another fellow MAFS expert, Brunson shared an emotional monologue on Instagram for Mel, saying: "Mel was tough. A straight talker. Strong in every sense. But when she spoke about her daughter Maddie... and her husband Gareth... everything softened. Her voice changed. Her energy shifted.

"There was a gentleness and tenderness. A deep, deep love. That's something I'll never forget.

"Mel showed us what it means to live your values. To choose people. To show up with strength, even when it's hard. To stand for something. To never give up on yourself. And to love deeply.

"She was present. She was powerful. She was full of heart. She will be deeply loved. And profoundly missed."

Alessandra Rampolla

The sexologist who has worked alongside Mel on MAFS posted a touching tribute on Instagram, which read: "I am struggling to find the words, because none of them feel big enough for what I feel right now. My heart is shattered.

"I feel so incredibly grateful for the time we shared last week… to look you in the eyes, to hold your hand, and to say the things that truly mattered. That is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

"You were so much more than a colleague. You were a constant, a guiding force, and to me, someone I admired and learned from — like a big sister, a woman of immense heart, wisdom, and generosity.

"You welcomed me from the very beginning and made me feel at home in a space that could have felt overwhelming, always kind and generous with your light. That is who you were."

She concluded with: "You will be deeply, deeply missed… but never forgotten, Chica. Holding Gareth, Maddie, and your beautiful family forever in my heart."