Mel Schilling’s MAFS UK replacement is revealed as John Aikenas – after revealing she stepping down following her terminal cancer diagnosis

Channel 4 have revealed Mel Schilling’s replacement on the UK series of Married At First Sight after the star shared a devastating cancer update on Thursday. 

Mel, 54,  revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain and can no longer be treated by doctors as she heartbreakingly wrote: ‘I don’t know how long I have left’.

And while the MAFS star had shared last month that she would no longer be taking part in the Australian season, Channel 4 have now revealed that her Australian co-star John Aiken will be taking over from her on the UK version of the show. 

Sharing a statement on Instagram following Mel’s news, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: ‘All of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel’s health, and are sending all of our love and support to Mel and her family…

‘Over five series of Married at First Sight UK, and twelve series of Married at First Sight Australia, Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague. 

‘Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through, and these qualities mean that everyone involved in MAFS, from the producers and contributors, to the viewers, love and respect her as much as we do…

‘MAFS UK is currently filming and, with Mel’s blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us the great favour of stepping in for her for this series..’

Mel has become a familiar face on the commitment ceremony couch, guiding hundreds of brides and grooms through explosive dinner parties, tearful confessions and headline-making break-ups. 

The star revealed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023, and she had to have surgery to remove a 5cm tumour.

However, Mel has now revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in 2024, and over Christmas it was discovered it has now spread to her brain. 

In a heartbreaking statement she wrote: ‘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.’

Mel 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’.

Responding to the news Ella Morgan penned: ‘This is heartbreaking. Mel has changed so many people’s lives, through awareness and incredible advise on MAFS, Mel is the heart of MAFS and always will be. 

‘Myself and so many others are so lucky to have Mel and the privilege of working with and knowing her. Sending all my love to Mel, her loved ones and everybody who knows Mel both personally and professionally.’

Past MAFS Australia contestant Lucinda Light added: ‘Devastating news. It’s just not fair. We love you so much beautiful Mel x’. 

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.’

‘It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life,’ she continued.