A former Married at First Sight UK participant has expressed her devastation after learning of Mel Schilling’s heartbreaking cancer update.

Leigh Harris, who featured on last year’s series and won over audiences despite departing the show without finding love, has now shared an emotional message on Instagram dedicated to Mel, expressing how “truly grateful for the time [she] got to spend with [Mel]”.

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The MAFS relationship expert was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, when medics discovered a tumour “the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan”. She subsequently received the “all clear” following the removal of the growth, which she had nicknamed ‘Terry’.

However, the 54-year-old disclosed this week that the disease has metastasised, indicating it has travelled from where it originated to different parts of her body.

An adult male and a woman are embracing a young child in a room decorated for a festive occasion. The adult male is dressed in a black shirt, while the woman is adorned with a red bow in her hair. They are all sharing a tender moment in front of a decorated Christmas tree.

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Mel revealed that doctors told her there’s nothing more they can do(Image: INSTAGRAM/mel_schilling1)

 

After suffering from headaches and numbness during the festive season, new scans showed the cancer had reached the left hemisphere of her brain. Medical professionals have told Mel there’s “nothing further they can do”, reports OK!.

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In response to the tragic announcement, Leigh uploaded a photograph featuring herself with Mel and fellow MAFS participant Davide Anica.

She penned: “I am absolutely heartbroken to hear the news Mel Schilling has shared regarding her health.

“Mel you are by far one of the most inspirational and powerful women I’ve had the honour of meeting. Your light shines brighter than you know, you radiate the most beautiful energy and that is something that will stay with me forever.”

Leigh went on to say: “Your determination to fight for what’s right and stand up for what you believe in is something I always admired. I’m truly grateful for the time I got to spend with you and for the advice, knowledge, wisdom and love you’ve shown.

“You shine brighter than you know and your influence will live on in all who have been blessed to know you.”

The statement concluded: “I hope you recognise the impact you’ve made on so many. Life really is cruel sometimes and it’s moments like this that should remind us never to take anything for granted.

“Be loud, be proud, speak up, love hard and most importantly, we should all be a little bit more ‘Mel.’”.

The heartbreaking announcement follows Mel’s departure from the Australian reality programme after serving on its expert panel for 12 seasons.

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