Mel Schilling, one of the dating experts on Married at First Sight, has died at the age of 54. The star had been living with colon cancer in her final months, and just days before her passing, she confirmed that the illness had spread to her brain.
The sad news was confirmed by her husband, Gareth Brisbane-Schilling, who penned: "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."
He continued: "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.
"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. 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."
His sad statement ended: "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."
© Getty ImagesIn tribute, Jay Howard, who appeared on the show in 2023, said: "I have no words, our hearts are broken. Rest in peace Mel - thinking about your family at this difficult time. Sleep tight," while previous contestant April Banbury shared: " So heartbreaking, sending so much love and many prayers to you all during this time. Mel will always be remembered for the amazing strong woman she was. Rest in peace Mel."
Leigh Harris added: "Sending you all so much love and healing. What a truly magical woman she was."
A statement from Channel 4 said: "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.
© Instagram"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 energized 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."
Cancer journey
Mel was diagnosed with cancer in December 2023, and during an appearance on This Morning, she revealed how beforehand she was in pain and suffering typical symptoms, but was putting off doing anything about it.
Speaking about how she was diagnosed, Mel revealed: "I did see a GP in Australia and they said it's constipation, you'll be fine. I then flew back to the UK and it became more serious, I couldn't even hold down water. So I went to a gastroenterologist and he could pinpoint the signs, and for him, it was the unexplained weight loss, which was alarming.
© Instagram"He got me in for a CT scan within 24 hours and they found Terry [the tumour], right there in my colon blocking everything. They looked at the results, brought Gareth, my husband, and I in and they said, 'You have cancer'."
In a post dated 12 March, Mel explained that in 2024 the cancer had metastasised and spread to her lungs. Despite this, she remained optimistic, explaining that she had been entered into a clinical trial that was due to start this month. However, over Christmas, following "blinding headaches and numbness down my right side", it was discovered that the cancer was now in her brain and following some radiotherapy sessions, she was informed doctors could no longer do anything.
© Channel 4"Hearing those words changes everything," she emotionally wrote. "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."
In 2024, Mel spoke to HELLO! about how she and Gareth were navigating their relationship following the diagnosis, and how cancer had impacted the lives of the Prince and Princess of Wales. "I think a life confronting challenge in a relationship is going to test it to its absolute extreme; it pushes people to the edge of their coping mechanisms," she said.
© Instagram"My sense is that they are a strong couple, and they seem to work as a team. I think if ever there's a time to really lean into that teamwork, this is it, because cancer is not something you can do on your own - it is definitely a team sport. And I think the two of them, from what we see, look like they're a real team."
