Reality TV star Mel Schilling’s husband has shared an emotional update on the “next chapter” following her passing.

The Australian dating coach, who featured on reality series Married At First Sight, died last month at the age of 53, following a brave battle with cancer.

The family confirmed the news on social media at the time, prompting an outpouring of support for her husband Gareth and their 10-year-old daughter Maddie.

 

On Sunday, Gareth shared an update on Instagram, thanking everyone for their well wishes and offered a glimpse into his and Maddie’s final goodbye to his wife.

“Maddie and I have drawn enormous strength from how so very loved she was and is,” Gareth posted, alongside a montage of images of Schilling.

The grieving husband confirmed they “laid Mel to rest” on April 9 in a private ceremony for family and close friends, which was streamed to Australia.

Late reality TV star Mel Schilling’s husband Gareth has revealed what’s next for himself and their daughter Maddie.Late reality TV star Mel Schilling’s husband Gareth has revealed what’s next for himself and their daughter Maddie. Credit: Instagram

“Maddie announced on the morning of the funeral that she had written a little speech which she delivered beautifully,” Gareth said.

“Every inch her mother’s daughter and I couldn’t be prouder.”

Gareth also revealed they scattered some of Schilling’s ashes at the lighthouse in his hometown of Whitehead, Northern Ireland, as was her wish.

“It’s a special place that really resonated with her, a place where strangers say hello as you pass, and a place we can now come back to reflect on our incredible 15 years together,” he wrote.

Gareth then shared he and Maddie will be moving to Bali to “heal”.

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“In a few short weeks Maddie and I will be welcomed back into the arms of mother Bali where we will begin our next chapter,” he wrote.

“No better place to heal, a place that we all loved and where we still have some of our dearest friends who had the most wonderful blessing ceremony for Mel at our new villa last weekend.

“The photo of Mel in white is what we chose as her funeral photo.

“Equal parts glam, warmth and vulnerability which was her all over. Love and light to you all.”

The Australian dating coach had shared her journey with cancer on social media.The Australian dating coach had shared her journey with cancer on social media. Credit: Instagram

Schilling was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023. She had a tumour the “size of a lemon” removed and was initially given the all-clear, she confirmed on Instagram.

But the TV personality revealed scans later showed the cancer had spread to her lungs and then her brain, with doctors saying there was nothing more they could do.

Over Christmas last year, Schilling began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down her right side. After further testing, she was told the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain.

She said simple tasks had become incredibly difficult and she was leaning on her family for care.

Schilling also shared a photo with the two people she described as her “everything”: Gareth and Maddie.

Mel Schilling’s colon cancer spread to her lungs and then her brain, leaving doctors with no hope of saving her life.Mel Schilling’s colon cancer spread to her lungs and then her brain, leaving doctors with no hope of saving her life. Credit: Instagram

Just 11 days later, Gareth announced Mel had died surrounded by love.

“To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV,” Gareth posted at the time.

“To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.”