Featured Image Credit: Rajdeep Kar/Getty Images
Topics: Married At First Sight, Celebrity, Mel Schilling, Cancer, Reality TV, Channel 4, TV And Film
Rhiannon Ingle
Topics: Married At First Sight, Celebrity, Mel Schilling, Cancer, Reality TV, Channel 4, TV And Film
Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling has had one of her final wishes fulfilled following her passing on Tuesday (24 March).
The Australian relationship therapist, who joined the reality TV series back in 2016, first revealed she was diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023.
While the tumour was successfully removed, Schilling later explained that the cancer had metastasised to her lungs and brain in an Instagram post shared earlier this month (12 March).
Less than two weeks later, a family statement on the MAFS star's Instagram page confirmed that she had passed away aged 53, leaving behind her husband, Gareth and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie.
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Before her passing, Schilling told E4 that it was her 'wish to continue airing the programme'.
Ahead of Tuesday night's episode of Married At First Sight Australia, E4 paid a tribute to Schilling with a statement reading: "Everyone at Channel 4 is hugely saddened by the news we’ve lost Mel Schilling.
"It was Mel and her family’s wish that we carry on showing Married At First Sight and celebrate her mission to help others find love and happiness.
"Our thoughts are with Mel’s family and friends."
The statement announcing Schilling's passing came earlier that day, reading: "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 concluded: "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."
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.
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, 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."
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."
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."
Commenting on E4's Instagram post dedicated to Mel, the This Morning presenter - who was friends with Mel - typed: "Condolences to her family . A massive loss . RIP my friend."
While presenting This Morning, the pair shared the news of Mel's passing live on air, with Ben saying: "It's time for our phone in now, but we've just had some really devastating news about someone who has sat alongside us and taken many of your phone calls over the years."
Cat added: "Mel Schilling, who you'll know from Married at First Sight, sadly passed away earlier today at the age of 54, following a battle with cancer," before the pair sent their love to her family.
Lucinda, who is arguably one of MAFS Australia's most memorable contestants, took to Instagram to write: "Beautiful @mel_schilling1 passed away peacefully today surrounded by so much love. It’s hard to put into words how sad this is.
"Sending love to her beautiful family - particularly Gareth and Maddie and all those who were close to her. RIP divine lady ~ you’ll be incredibly missed from planet earth."
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.