MEL Schillings’ Married At First UK replacement has been revealed after her devastating terminal cancer diagnosis.

In a heartbreaking post shared to social media yesterday, the TV dating expert confessed she was ‘nearing the end’ of her cancer battle after it spread to parts of her brain around Christmas.

Mel Schilling, Married at First Sight.
Mel Schilling’s MAFS UK replacement has been revealedCredit: Married at First Sight
Last month, she revealed she had stepped down from MAFS Australia amid her illness and Channel 4 has now confirmed that, following the results of her latest tests, Mel has opted to stand down from the UK version of the programme too – which is currently filming.

It is understood that Mel began to film scenes for the next series of the show alongside Paul C Brunson and Charlene Douglas but stepped down following her latest health update.

It has been confirmed that along with Mel’s blessing, her good friend and MAFS Australia colleague John Aiken will be stepping in for her.

In a statement, Channel 4 confirmed they had spoken with Mel who had agreed for John to take over from her.

The broadcaster said: “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.

“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.

“Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through, and 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.

“MAFS UK is currently filming and, with Mel’s blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us the great favour of stepping in for her for this series.”

John has since spoken out following the news of Mel’s terminal illness in a new interview.

He worked with her on 11 series of the Aussie version of the show before stepping in to cover for her on the current UK edition.

Mel Schilling being kissed on the forehead by her husband, holding their child, in front of a Christmas tree.
The star has stood down from the programme as a result of her deteriorating healthCredit: Instagram
Speaking on A Current Affair, he said: “It’s just so unbelievable how quickly this disease has got on top of her. She’s an amazing woman. Such a bright shining light, and she is a fighter.

“We knew that she had cancer on and off for two years, but she never complained, never let on what was going on.

“And so this has come as a complete shock to all of us.”

Fighting back tears, he added: “I’ve spent a lot of time over the last 24 hours just going through photos and listening to music because she’s a very big fan of 80s music.

“A lot of people don’t realise that before we go on set we’re often singing and dancing in the hair and make-up room before we go on and call out bad behaviour on the set with these couples.”

John continued: “I’m stepping in to do MAFS UK, which she [Mel] was all across and I had her blessing, and I really did it with the full intention of keeping the seat warm for her so she could take over next year.

“But that’s taken a real tragic turn. So, I hope I get a chance to see her while I’m in London, just to connect one more time.”

Mel shared the heartbreaking news last night that her cancer battle was nearing it’s end.

She confessed that following further tests, she had been informed that there was nothing further her medical team could do.

Mel also admitted that her condition was deteriorating “quickly”.

As part of her statement, she said: “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.”

John Aiken from MAFS.
John Aiken is stepping inCredit: Channel 4
Mel was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and following surgery, she received news that the lemon-sized tumour had been successfully removed.

However, just two months later, during a routine follow-up, doctors discovered “small nodules” on her lungs.

It led Mel to undergo chemotherapy over the next two years all whilst still filming both the UK and Aussie version of MAFS.

Mel said last night: “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.

“Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side.