MAFS co-star ‘distraught’ as tributes pour in after coach dies

‘MAFS’ star died after being diagnosed with terminal colon cancer
Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling has died aged 54 “surrounded by love”, her family has announced on Instagram.

The dating coach was best known for her roles on Married At First Sight Australia and Married at First Sight UK – being one of the relationship experts who would meet the contestants to evaluate their relationships throughout the show.

Schilling announced earlier in March that her colon cancer, which was diagnosed in 2023, had become terminal with there being “nothing further” doctors could do.

The E4 star’s family have paid tribute to her on Instagram, confirming that she “passed away peacefully” on Tuesday (24 March).

“This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both,” her husband Gareth Brisbane wrote on Instagram.

Schilling is survived by her husband and their 10-year-old daughter Maddie.

Schilling's podcast co-host Elizabeth Day says dating expert 'lit up a room'
Elizabeth Day, who co-hosted the How To Date podcast with Schilling, wrote about the effect the dating expert had on her.

“I never understood the truth of the phrase 'she lights up a room' until I met Mel,” Day wrote.

“There was an inner radiance to her; a spark; a dazzle.

It wasn't just the smile or the obvious beauty.

It wasn't just the sequins she loved or the glittery eyeshadow.

It was deeper than that.

It was the generosity that accompanied it.”
“She wanted others to shine, to feel special and to be loved.

To be in her company was to feel anything was possible.”
“Like many of you, I fell in love with Mel on Married At First Sight .

Her insights on the couch were always brilliantly delivered, with insight and compassion.

But when someone needed calling to account, she did it.

She was strong.

And yet her strength has an elegance to it.”
“The recipients of Mel's arched eyebrow would always deserve it.

They would be the bullies, the misogynists, the narcissists.

And she did it so well!

A victim would often have no idea their nastiness had been filleted from them like bones from a Dover sole by a particularly expert waiter.”
'MAFS UK' star Ella Morgan says Schilling had an 'infectious soul'
Ella Morgan, who took part in MAFS UK in 2023 as the first transgender bride, remembered Schilling as “brave, resilient, beautiful, inspiring and iconic.”
She wrote: “You inspired so many, taught so many, loved so many, and for that we are all grateful, but you are equally so loved and will be incredibly missed by millions.”
“You had a heart so big and full of kindness, a wicked sense of humour and a smile that lit up any room.”
April Banbury, who took part in the 2022 series, wrote: “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.”
'Schilling was a fighter til the end,' says E4 star
Celebs Go Dating star Anna Williamson has opened up about her friendship with Mel Schilling in light of the MAFS expert’s death.

Taking to Instagram, Williamson wrote: “What a woman.

A fighter til the end, an end that was far far too soon.

“All of our Channel 4 family are grieving the loss of Mel.

She touched a lot of people on and off screen.

As her E4 ‘stable mate’ and with a love of coaching others and juggling being telly mums we naturally gravitated towards each other, held a deep respect for each other and became friends.”
She added that Schilling was “always optimistic in spirit” and “a fiercely proud wife and mama”.

She continued: “Many people were touched by Mel and benefited from her badass approach to life, her work and her family and I know that legacy will continue.”
'MAFS UK' star Charlene Douglas 'devastated' by Mel Schilling death
Sex and relationships therapist Douglas appeared on the MAFS UK panel alongside Schilling and fellow expert Paul C Brunson since 2021.

Sharing a post on Instagram, Douglas wrote: “I’m both devastated and heartbroken to hear of the passing of my MAFS queen and friend Mel.

“I had the pleasure of spending time with Mel in her last days and will forever treasure the laughter, the memories and love we had for each other.Mel’s love for life, jokes and of course dancing will forever stay in my heart.

What I wouldn’t give to be dancing to Beyoncé with you right now.

Sleep in perfect peace Mel.

Love you.”
Colon cancer symptoms to look out for after Mel Schilling's death
The MAFS UK star was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, having revealed that initial symptoms were brushed off by doctors.

With the TV personality having urged fans to get themselves checked out “if something doesn’t feel right” before her death, you should look out for bowel changes, blood in your stool, pain or lumps in your stomach, weight loss and unexplained tiredness.

You can read more about the symptoms of colon cancer here .

Mel Schilling's MAFS co-star 'distraught': 'I'm finding it hard to breathe'
“I am heartbroken, devastated and finding it hard to breathe,” he wrote on Instagram.

“She came into my life 10 years ago and together we rode this @mafs juggernaut, being there for one another through it all.

Nothing could prepare us for what lay ahead, but she was always in the fox hole with me.

“It’s not fair that my partner in crime is gone.

She was one of the good ones.

I am unravelling just thinking about it.

I wanted to sit on our couch together forever.

She knew my rhythms and I knew hers.

But it’s simply not to be.”
He ended the tribute by thanking Schilling for the last decade, adding: “I love you and I miss you gorgeous.”
Inside Mel Schilling's three-year cancer struggle
The MAFS star was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023, revealing that she was “doubled over in pain” while filming Married at First Sight Australia – but mistook the symptom for jet lag.

After being diagnosed, Schilling underwent surgery to have a tumour removed before being treated with chemotherapy.

While she was given the “all clear” shortly afterwards, doctors found “small nodules” in her lungs in February 2024 – with the cancer metastasising.

“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,” she wrote on Instagram.

Earlier this month, she confirmed that the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain and that despite undergoing radiotherapy, there was “nothing further” doctors could do.

Alison Hammond, Fearne Cotton and Vicky Pattison pay tribute to Mel Schilling
A number of British TV stars have paid tribute to Mel Schilling online, with This Morning ’s Alison Hammond writing: “Condolences to her family .

A massive loss .

RIP my friend.”
Strictly Come Dancing ’s Vicky Pattison commented on the tribute posted by Schilling’s husband: “Absolutely heartbreaking.

A beautiful woman inside and out...

my thoughts are with your family and friends.”
TV presenter Carol Vorderman added: “So very sorry for your immense loss.

The world is a sadder place today.”
While All Saints singer Natalie Appleton commented: “I am absolutely devastated to hear this news.

God bless your precious Mel.

I’m sending so much love from all my family to yours.”
MAFS' Australian broadcaster 'deeply saddened' by Schilling's death
Australian channel Nine, which airs the country’s version of MAFS, has issued a statement on Mel Schilling’s death.

“All of us at Nine are deeply saddened by the loss of Mel Schilling,” Executive Director – Entertainment, Streaming & Broadcasting, Michael Healy, wrote.

“Mel was a wonderful colleague and friend.

She had a gift for connecting with people and helping them navigate life’s challenges.

For years, she guided us through the complexities of the human heart with wisdom, honesty, and kindness.

“Mel was a big part of our family, and she will be greatly missed.

Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with her husband Gareth, their daughter Maddie and her entire family during this incredibly difficult time.”
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