Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling has died aged 54 following a battle with cancer.

Just days ago, the relationship coach revealed that her cancer had spread from her colon to her brain. In the post, Schilling shared the harrowing news to her nearly half a million followers, stating:

“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.”

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Schillings’ tragic passing was announced today by her husband Gareth Brisbane, who said:

“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…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."

"On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world. 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.”

With a background in psychology and corporate consulting, the Australian-born mother of one achieved incredible things as a television personality, author and most notably as a host on the Channel 4 reality television MAFS. Tributes to her life and incredible work have begun pouring in, including from CPL Productions, which makes Married At First Sight UK. The company released a statement which said it was “deeply saddened” by her death, and added:

“Over many years, many of us have been privileged to work with Mel on Married At First Sight, and her loss today will come as a tremendous sadness to all who knew her…Mel went far beyond being just a fantastic on-screen presenter; she was a friend to CPL, and to many of us who worked with her.”

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Channel 4 described her as “someone who radiated joy, warmth and optimism, who energised every room she walked into, with humour and positivity”.

They added: “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…"

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"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…

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 positivity.”