Mel Schilling, a relationship expert who stars on the British and Australian versions of “Married at First Sight,” has revealed she has cancer that can no longer be treated.
“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,” she began her March 12 Instagram post.
Schilling, who posted a photo of her with husband Gareth Brisbane and daughter, Madison, alongside the caption, said cancer returned a short time later in a different location.
“Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs,” she wrote.
“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.”
Her condition, however, took a turn for the worse.
“Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side,” she wrote. “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. Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.”
Schilling, 54, also thanked the people who have wished her well during her cancer journey.
“At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,” she wrote.
“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 also acknowledged Brisbane and their daughter.
“These two beside me are my everything,” she ended her post. “With love and gratitude, Mel.”
Channel 4, which carries the British version of “Married at First Sight,” released a statement in response to the news.
“All of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel’s health, and are sending all of our love and support to Mel and her family,” it said in a post shared on Instagram on March 12.
“Over five series of Married at First Sight UK, and twelve series of Married at First Sight Australia, Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague,” the channel wrote. “Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through. These qualities mean that everyone involved in MAFs, from the producers and contributors to the viewers, love and respect her as much as we do.”
The channel added that Schilling will have a replacement for the “Married at First Sight UK” season, which is currently filming.
“MAFS UK is currently filming and with Mel’s blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us a great favour of stepping in for her for this series,” it wrote while encouraging people to donate to Stand Up To Cancer.
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