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 on the reality shows’ panels.
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.
Now, the E4 star’s family have paid tribute to her on Instagram, confirming that she “passed away peacefully” on Tuesday (24 March).
“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,” her husband Gareth Brisbane wrote on her page.
“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.”
He added that while she was the “matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV” to the nation, she was “an incredible mum, role model and soulmate” to Gareth and their daughter Maddie, 10.
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“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.”
Brisbane concluded the tribute by urging others to “live life to the full, love your people well and try not to sweat the small stuff” in honour of Schilling. “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.”
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