MAFS Australia has made a shock announcement — and fans are still processing the emotional fallout

MAFS Australia unveils new coach after Mel Schilling’s death

Brigitte Zonta has reportedly joined the panel.

Married at First Sight Australia has reportedly signed up a new coach following the death of Mel Schilling earlier this year.

Mel, who served as a relationship expert on 12 seasons of MAFS Australia and five of the UK version, sadly passed away at the age of 54 in March, after being diagnosed with colon cancer in late 2023.

Earlier that month, Mel announced that the cancer had spread to her brain, telling fans that her oncology team had told her there was “nothing further they can do”.

Now, MAFS Australia has reportedly signed up a new expert, who is set to join John Aiken and sexologist Alessandra Rampolla on the panel.

According to the Daily Mail, Dr Lurve, whose real name is Brigitte Zonta, has signed up for the show’s 14th season, set to air in 2027.

So far, no official announcement has been made by Nine, the broadcaster behind the show, though Brigitte’s private Instagram bio reads: “Australia’s #1 Relationship Expert.”

Announcing Mel’s death in March, her husband, Gareth Brisbane, shared a statement that read: “Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.

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Related: Ofcom launches investigation into Married at First Sight UK

“In her final moments, 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. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.”

In his statement, Gareth thanked their “MAFS family” and encouraged fans of Mel to live “life to the full”.

His statement concluded: “I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful. Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again.”