MAFS star Mel Schilling has tragically died aged 54 after a brave battle with colon cancer.
The much-loved dating coach was known for her invaluable work on both the Australian and UK versions of the show.
Her husband Gareth announced the heartbreaking news today in an emotional Instagram post.
Alongside touching pictures of Mel, he said: “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.
“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.”
He also tragically told how “life can be beautiful” but also “incredibly cruel” as he urged people to live life to the full to “honour Mel”.
Gareth added: “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.”
Tributes have poured in for the TV star since the tragic announcement.
Channel 4 hailed Mel as a friend who “radiated joy, warmth and optimism”.
Issuing a statement, it said: “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.
“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.”
The TV favourite was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and, at the time, told how she faced a “tough road ahead”.
She was was given the devastating news after suffering severe stomach cramps while filming the Australian series of the romance show.
Weeks later she was told she had colon cancer and underwent surgery to remove a 5cm tumour.
Last year, she told fans her cancer was in remission as she flagged key signs to look out for.
Before her death, the mum-of-one was open about her battle with cancer, which later spread to her lungs and brain.
In a heartbreaking post on Instagram on March 12, Mel shared a devastating update about her health.
She wrote: “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.”
The mum-of-one continued: “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.
What are the red flag warning signs of bowel cancer?
IT’S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest – yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough.
While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver.
If you notice any of the signs, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for example
- Pain or a lump in your tummy
- Extreme tiredness
- Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Other signs include:
- Gripping pains in the abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Constipation and being unable to pass wind
- Being sick
- Feeling like you need to strain – like doing a number two – but after you’ve been to the loo
While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools.
But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease.
“Hearing those words changes everything. So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly.”
Mel concluded: “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.”
She then referred to her husband and daughter in the picture and said: “These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mel.”
Mel, who sadly leaves behind husband Gareth and daughter Maddie, 10, had recently stepped back from work to spend time with her family.
The dating expert was hailed for her no-nonsense attitude when it came to helping singletons finding the one.
The love guru had more than 20 years of experience in human behavioural performance and purpose.
On the show she was known for holding those accountable for their own actions and doesn’t make any excuses.
Mel tied the knot with partner Gareth Brisbane on December 24, 2020 after originally meeting through eharmony over a decade ago.
Together they welcomed daughter Madison, who was born through IVF.
