Paul C. Brunson has penned a heartwrenching tribute to his MAFS co-star Mel Schilling, after her tragic death aged 54.
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'.
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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.
Topics: Mel Schilling, Married At First Sight, Cancer, News, Reality TV, Bowel cancer, Real Life
Madison Burgess