She urged followers to “get it checked out” if “something doesn’t feel right”.

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Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling, who has appeared on both the UK and Australian versions of the reality hit, has been swamped with support online after sharing that her cancer has spread to her brain. The dating coach, who announced last month she had left the reality show, was first diagnosed with colon cancer back in late 2023.

Taking to Instagram tonight, she told her followers that the latest developments were discovered after she experienced “blinding headaches and numbness down my right side” over Christmas.

“Despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do,” she added.

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“Hearing those words changes everything,” she continued. “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.”

After thanking fans for their support, she said: “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.”

Dawn French responded: “What a nourishing, bright light you are.”View full post on Instagram

Ashley James wrote: “OH Mel – this has broken my heart for you and your family and everyone who loves you. I feel so lucky to have met you and to have felt your love. Im sending all my love and I hope you know the impact you have had on so many. Lots of love.”

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Actor and broadcaster Nicola Thorp said: “Oh Mel. I am so sorry to hear this. Sending so much love to you and your family. You are loved by more people and in more ways than you could possibly ever know.”

Strictly Come Dancing‘s Oti Mabuse posted: “Sending you love Mel I’m so sorry… keep you in my prayers.”

Ella Morgan said: “Oh Mel. I am so very sorry. This is heartbreaking. I adore & love you so much, and this is devastating to read. I have not enough words to tell you how incredible and brave you are, and I am so privileged to be able to call you a friend. I’m sending all my love, strength, thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones.”

Married at First Sight//Channel 4

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Mel’s fellow MAFS star Lucinda Light wrote: “Devastated. Mel, the impact you’ve had reaches far beyond any one place… it stretches across oceans, across the northern and southern hemispheres ~carried through your kindness, your wisdom, and the love you so naturally give. It was felt so deeply through the experience of MAFS, and in every interaction I’ve been lucky enough to have with you since.

“You are so loved. So admired. Your courage, your grace, your extraordinary heart — they shine so brightly and they touch all of us. I can feel the beautiful bubble of love surrounding you right now… and it is exquisite. Please let every bit of it in. Let it hold you, carry you, and remind you of just how deeply you are cherished. We love you, Mel. Always.”

According to TVZone, a Channel 4 spokesperson 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.”

They went on: “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.”