Mel Schilling’s MAFS co-star Paul Brunson shares one thing fans ‘didn’t know’ about her cancer treatment

Paul C. Brunson has penned a heartwrenching tribute to his MAFS co-star Mel Schilling, after her tragic death aged 53.

The Married At First Sight star's death was announced by her family on Tuesday (24 March), after a battle with bowel cancer, which spread to her lungs and brain.

Schilling's husband, Gareth, with whom she shared a 10-year-old daughter called Maddie, shared the heartbreaking news that the dating coach 'passed away peacefully, surrounded by love'.

The Australian relationship therapist was first diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023, when 'a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan'.

After being given the all-clear following an extraction surgery, Schilling devastatingly revealed earlier this month that the cancer had metastasised to her lungs and brain, and there was 'nothing further' doctors could do.

Now, her MAFS co-star Brunson has shared an emotional tribute to his friend, revealing that over the last two years, she was 'repeatedly flying between Australia and the UK'.

During chemotherapy, she was enduring long-haul flights back and forth and was working on MAFS in both countries, some days filming for 'up to 14 hours'.

Brunson paid tribute to Schilling's 'extraordinary strength,' how she 'showed up fully,' and 'always with a smile on her face'.

His Instagram tribute, which included a series of black and white photos of the pair together, began with: "I'll never forget my first BAFTA in 2022. I arrived on the red carpet with Mel and Charlene to represent MAFS UK. It was our first nomination, and I was nervous.

"What stood out to me that night was how most celebrities handled it. They'd hear their name called, wave, and continue walking."

He recalled: "But the first moment Mel heard her name, she stopped. She stepped off the red carpet, moved around the barrier, and went to hug the woman calling out to her.

"Not a wave. Not a gesture. A real moment. The level of respect she showed her fans... that's something I'll never forget."

Delving into her work on the dating show, he continued: "What so many people don't know is that over the last two years, Mel was flying between Australia and the UK... repeatedly. Long-haul flights, working in both countries, back and forth.

"There were days we filmed for up to 14 hours. And all of this while going through chemotherapy.

"Despite the travel, the treatment, the strain on her body... she showed up fully. Every single time. Always with a smile, I never once heard her complain. That wasn't just professionalism. That was extraordinary strength."

He explained how 'during MAFS commitment ceremonies, we each had our areas where we would lean in and speak truth.'

Adding: "And when it came to defending women and the LGBTQ+ community, Mel was fearless. She didn't dilute it. She didn't make it comfortable. She made it honest. And she stood firm in it every single time.

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

Brunson signed off with: "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."

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."

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."