MAFS Australia viewers say same thing as show airs emotional Mel Schilling tribute

“You are missed.”

Married at First Sight Australia viewers were left emotional during Thursday’s (14 May) episode, after the reality series paid tribute to late relationship coach Mel Schilling following her death earlier this year at the age of 54.

The 13th season came to an end tonight as couples – both separated and still together – reunited to reflect on their journeys in the experiment. Relationship experts John Aiken, Mel and sexologist Alessandra Rampolla also returned to offer their final thoughts on the participants’ experiences after one of the franchise’s most dramatic seasons yet.

The finale featured several emotional moments, including couple Filip Gregov and Stella Mickunaitė officially confirming their engagement. But it was the episode’s closing tribute to Mel that ultimately struck the biggest chord with viewers.

Channel 4

As the credits rolled, production aired a montage of some of Mel’s most memorable moments throughout her years on the dating experiment, alongside personal photographs featuring her husband Gareth Brisbane and daughter Maddie.

The emotional segment immediately prompted an outpouring of reactions online, with many fans of the reality series sharing the same sentiment about how deeply Mel would be missed.

“At least we got a happy ending with Stella and Filip. Mel (RIP) left this world knowing she saw one happy couple that made it,” wrote one fan on X, with another noting: “We love and miss you Mel. Sweet dreams, beautiful angel.”

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Mel remained committed to filming MAFS Australia despite privately battling colon cancer. The dating coach was first diagnosed with the illness in late 2023 and spoke candidly throughout her treatment, regularly updating fans on her health journey via social media.

However, Mel shared a heartbreaking update in March with her Instagram followers, with the coach revealing that the illness had spread and that doctors had exhausted treatment options.

On March 24, Gareth confirmed that Mel had died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones. In an emotional public statement relayed on Facebook, he also shared details about her final moments

mel schilling, married at first sight mafs uk

“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,” he penned.

Mel became one of the defining faces of the programme after joining in 2016, with viewers praising her direct yet compassionate approach towards participants navigating relationships under scrutiny.

Married at First Sight Australia airs on E4 and streams on Channel 4.