Leigh on MAFS

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MAFS star Leigh Harris has shared a heartfelt statement following Mel Schilling’s health update(Image: E4)

A bride from Married at First Sight UK has expressed her ‘heartbreak’ following Mel Schilling’s devastating cancer update.

Leigh Harris appeared on the series just last year and quickly became a fan favourite despite leaving the experiment without a partner. The E4 star has now shared a touching tribute to Mel on Instagram, stating she is “truly grateful for the time [she] got to spend with [Mel]”.

MAFS expert Mel was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, when a tumour “the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan”. She later received the “all clear” after the tumour, which she affectionately named ‘Terry’, was removed.

However, this week, the 54-year-old revealed that the cancer has metastasised, meaning it has spread from its original location to other parts of the body.

An image depicts a man and a woman engaged in an affectionate moment, with the man placing a tender kiss on the woman's forehead. They are positioned closely together, with a festive backdrop that includes a Christmas tree adorned with lights. The man is dressed in a black t-shirt, while the woman has long hair and is wearing a red accessory.

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Mel revealed that the cancer has spread(Image: INSTAGRAM/mel_schilling1)

After suffering from headaches and numbness over the Christmas period, new scans showed that the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain. Mel’s doctors have told her there’s “nothing further they can do”, reports OK!.

Reacting to the heartbreaking news, Leigh posted a photo of herself with Mel and fellow MAFS star Davide Anica.

She wrote: “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.

“I hope you recognise the impact you’ve made on so many,” the statement continued. “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.’”.

This heartbreaking news follows Mel’s decision to step down from the Australian reality show after 12 seasons as part of its expert panel.