MAFS star Mel Schilling has tragically died aged 54 just days after revealing her cancer had spread to her brain.
The dating expert, 54, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023.
Her husband Gareth confirmed the news on Instagram on Tuesday in a beautiful statement in which he spoke about her love for him and their daughter Madison, 10.
He wrote: ‘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.’
MAFS Mel Schilling has tragically died aged 54, her husband Gareth revealed in a statement on Instagram on Tuesday, alongside a series of beautiful images of her
Mel is well known for being a dating expert on Married At First Sight
Mel’s husband Gareth wrote: ‘Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love’ – Mel had revealed the cancer had spread to her brain just days ago
Gareth added: ‘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’ – pictured with Gareth and daughter Maddie, who is now aged 10
Gareth’s beautiful statement in full to his wife as he penned: ‘Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again’
‘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.
‘I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.
‘To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it. To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.
‘And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel’s podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.’
He added: ‘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.’
Channel 4 said in a statement soon after: ‘All of us at Channel 4 are incredinly 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 postivity.
‘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.’
MAFS UK star Laura Vaughn wrote: ‘Darling Mel. To say you were an inspiration to many would fall incredibly short. You were a beacon of light to all who knew you, loved you and watched you around the world.
‘To know you is to be in awe of you. I remember us talking about your cancer diagnosis backstage on a campaign shoot, you grabbed my hand and with a wink you said “I’m a fighter, don’t you worry” and that’s exactly what you were.
‘I feel so privileged to have met you, worked with you and experienced firsthand the kindness you gave in abundance. It embodied you. This world is a lonelier place without you in it. Thoughts are with your family and those close to you. Rest easy now.’
Just last week the dating expert revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain and there was nothing more doctors could do, leading to an outpouring of support, (pictured with Gareth and Maddie)
Sophie Ellis Bextor wrote: ‘I never met Mel, but I always thought she came across so well and spoke a lot of sense. Sending love to all who knew her and will endeavour to appreciate the days I have and honour her memory. Xx’
Fearne Cotton posted a string of heart emojis and Bryony Gordon wrote, ‘I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending much love to you all xxxx.’
Vicky Pattison commented: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking. A beautiful woman inside and out… my thoughts are with your family and friends.’
Mel first revealed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023, and she had to have surgery to remove a 5cm tumour.
In a lengthy Instagram post last week, she revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in 2024, and over Christmas it was discovered it had spread to her brain.
Mel had written: ‘I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.’
She explained that she has undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy during the past two years while also filming MAFS.
She was due to start a new clinical trial this March, however over Christmas she began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down her right side.
After tests it was discovered the cancer has spread to her brain and there is nothing further doctors can do. She wrote: ‘My light is starting to fade – and quickly.’
Sharing a photo with her husband Gareth and daughter Madison, 10, Mel’s full statement read: ‘In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. “Terry,” as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear — that much many of you already know.
‘Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. 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. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.
‘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. Hearing those words changes everything.
‘So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.
‘Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.
‘At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
‘If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.
‘These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mell’.
Last month Mel announced she was stepping away from the Australian series of MAFS after starring on the show since season two.
In a heartfelt statement, Mel revealed the decision came after careful consideration, citing ongoing health challenges and the strain of splitting her life between Australia and the UK.
‘After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married At First Sight Australia,’ she said.
‘This hasn’t been a choice I’ve made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable.’
She continued: ‘It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.’
Read the full article here
