Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling dies at 54

Married at First Sight dating coach Mel Schilling has died of cancer at the age of 54, her husband has said on Instagram.

Schilling, who was part of the reality TV show's cast since 2016, was diagnosed in December 2023 and said earlier this month that the disease had spread to her brain.

She "passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love", a statement from husband Gareth said on Tuesday.

"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 wrote.

He said she used "all of her remaining strength" in her final moments to whisper a message for daughter Maddie and him "that will sustain me for the rest of my life".

"Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me," he said.

"This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 - and nailed both," he wrote.

"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."

He added: "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."

Schilling first joined Mafs in her home country of Australia and later on the UK version of the show, which airs on E4. She stepped down from the Australian version last month after 12 seasons.

Fellow MAFS relationship expert Charlene Douglas was among those paying tribute, writing: "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."

Others paying tribute included author Elizabeth Day, who hosted the How To Date podcast with Schilling. "What a woman. What a radiant, shining light," she wrote.

"How grateful I am to have known her. How grateful I am to you, Gaz, and to Maddie for being the loves of her life. I love you all so much.

"Thank you for the gift of your friendship. And thank you most of all to Mel. Our girl."

TV star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu said: "Absolutely heart broken… sending so much love to you and your family.. always remembered as beautiful strong, inside and out."

Presenter Alison Hammond posted: "Condolences to her family. A massive loss. RIP my friend."

TV personality Jay Howard, who appeared on MAFS in 2023, wrote: "I have no words, our hearts are broken. Rest in peace Mel - thinking about your family at this difficult time. Sleep tight xxx"

Former MAFS bride April Banbury said it was "so heartbreaking", and Schilling "will always be remembered for the amazing strong woman she was".

Leigh Harris, who also appeared on the show, posted: "What a truly magical woman she was."

'Radiated joy, warmth and optimism'

Channel 4 said the TV show "reflected so much about her - her fierce advocacy for other women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love".

A statement added: "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."

CPL Productions, which makes Married at First Sight UK, said Schilling "will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched".

"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," they said.

'My light is starting to fade'

When Schilling revealed her illness in 2023, she said she developed severe stomach cramps a few months beforehand and was initially told she had constipation.

But after a scan, she received her diagnosis of colon cancer, which is a form of bowel cancer.

On 12 March this year, Schilling said the cancer had spread and that doctors had told her "there is nothing further they can do".

"My light is starting to fade - and quickly," she wrote at the time.

After her original diagnosis, she underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy while still filming Married At First Sight.

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, said: "Mel's courage in speaking so openly about bowel cancer, from her diagnosis through to treatment and everything in between, has already made a profound difference.

"By sharing her story, she has helped raise vital awareness and encouraged countless people to listen to their bodies and contact their GP when something doesn't feel right. That message has the power to save lives.

"Every 12 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK's fourth most common cancer. If you're experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer like bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo or a change in your pooing habits, please contact your GP to ask for an at-home test."