MAFS star Mel Schilling has revealed her ‘light is starting to fade quickly’ as she shared that her cancer has spread to her brain.
The 54-year-old dating coach appears on both the Australian and UK versions of the show and has been open about her battle with colon cancer since her diagnosis.
In a heartbreaking post on Instagram on Thursday, she shared a devastating update about her health alongside a picture with her husband Gareth and daughter Maddie, 10.
She wrote: “In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. “Terry,” as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear — that much many of you already know.
“Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs.
“The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant. Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026.
“Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.”
The mum-of-one continued: “Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side.
“After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do.
“Hearing those words changes everything. So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly.”
Mel had revealed last month that she was stepping back from MAFS Australia to put her health first and be with her family.
The star married husband Gareth in 2018 in Bali after meeting on dating website eHarmony.
They welcomed daughter Maddie via IVF in November 2015, and Mel said her family is keeping her going despite the devastating news.
She continued: “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.
“At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support.
“They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”
Mel concluded: “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.”
She then referred to her husband and daughter in the picture and said: “These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mel.”
The star, who has been part of Married at First Sight since 2015, was inundated with messages.
Kerry Katona said: “Sending you so much strength and love.”
While former show star Ella Morgan wrote: “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.”
Dawn French added: “What a nourishing, bright light you are. Sending tons of this..” alongside lots of red heart emojis.
Channel 4 said in a statement following Mel’s post: “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.
“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.”
Meanwhile CPL – the production company who make MAFSUK – said: “We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Mel’s diagnosis.
“She is not only a valued colleague but a dear friend, and has played an integral role in the success of Married At First Sight over many years.”
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