John Aiken has shared the details of his touching final moments with Married At First Sight co-star Mel Schilling before her death from cancer at age 54.
The relationship expert, 55, told A Current Affair on Wednesday night that he was able to ‘look her in the eye’ and explain what she meant to him, and to the world.
Aiken told Mel that he loved her and that she had ‘made a difference.’
‘She understood she had touched a lot of people all around the world,’ Aiken told the current affairs show.
‘I took her husband an Irish whiskey, and we drank that. She had some memories.’
John explained that he saw Mel for a final time last week, just days before she died.
John Aiken (pictured) has shared the details of his touching final moments with Married At First Sight co-star Mel Schilling before her death from cancer at age 54
The relationship expert, 55, told A Current Affair on Wednesday night that he was able to ‘look her in the eye’ and explain what she meant to him, and to the world. Mel is pictured centre
‘She lit up the room. She was larger than life, full of energy – beautiful smile, very glamorous,’ he said.
‘But (she) had this huge heart.’
John also led Channel Nine’s tribute to the Married At First Sight relationship expert ahead of Wednesday’s episode of Married At First Sight.
In a heartbreaking segment, Aiken fought tears as he shared moving words about his co-star and best mate.
‘It’s with great sadness and heavy heart that today the MAFS family lost a colleague and a dear friend, Mel Schilling,’ he said.
‘She was someone that could light up a room, she was full of joy, had a huge smile, and whenever she was on set, everyone lifted,’ Aiken continued.
‘She brought fun and joy, humour, and she also brought an authenticity which we all loved to be around. It was such a delight.
‘She was a leader, she was an inspiration. Never complained, just rolled her sleeves up and got on with things.
‘She understood she had touched a lot of people all around the world,’ Aiken told the current affairs show
‘Someone that has meant so much to all of us, and it’s not fair.
‘Married At First Sight won’t be the same without her.
‘I would like to send all thoughts and prayers to Gareth, her husband, and Maddie, her wonderful daughter, and to also take a moment now and remember Mel.
‘We love you.’
Channel Nine then aired a solemn message dedicating the following episode to Mel’s memory.
‘With gratitude for her warmth, honesty and insight. A beloved member of our team, she’ll always be part of the Married At First Sight family,’ the notice read.
Mel’s husband Gareth announced on Tuesday that the dating expert had died just days after revealing her cancer had spread to her brain.
In a lengthy statement, he spoke of her love for him and their daughter Madison, 10.
Mel helmed the expert panel of the Australian franchise for 12 seasons and also appeared in five series of the UK version on Channel 4.
But she had announced she would be stepping back from filming earlier this year, in order to prioritise her family and health.
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