MAFS Australia relationship expert dies after cancer battle, aged 54
Updated ,first published
We Married at First Sight Relationship expert Mel Schilling has died. The 54-year-old psychologist was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023. Earlier this month, he revealed that the cancer had spread to his brain, leaving him no chance of recovery. She leaves behind husband Gareth Brisbane and 10-year-old daughter Madison.
brisbane He announced the news on Instagram Tuesday night. “In her final moments when I thought cancer had robbed her of her ability to speak, she pulled me close and whispered a message for Maddie and me that would sustain me for the rest of my lives,” Brisbane wrote. “He exhausted all the strength he had left, and that gesture perfectly summed up our little Melsie. Even then, his only thoughts were for Maddie and me.”
“This is a 42-year-old new mother and television star who nailed both. This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head off the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.”
“For most of you, that was Mel Schilling; MAFSs and the queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our little Melsie: an incredible mother, role model, and soulmate. “On behalf of our family and its incredible friendship group, we thank you for the support from around the world.”
Schilling joined the Australian version of the reality show in 2016. Along with psychologist John Aiken and sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, who joined in 2021, Schilling counseled couples on the crushing power of reality. He also appeared in the UK version. MAFSsIt was still shooting this year.
Michael Healy, Nine’s general manager of entertainment, broadcast and streaming, said the network was “deeply saddened” by Schilling’s death.
“Mel was a wonderful colleague and friend,” Healy said in a statement. “He had a gift for connecting with people and helping them cope with life’s challenges. For years, he guided us through the complexities of the human heart with wisdom, honesty and kindness.
“Mel was a huge part of our family and we will miss her so much. Our hearts and deepest sympathies go out to her husband Gareth, their daughter Maddie and all her family at this incredibly difficult time.”
Endemol Shine Australia’s director of content, Tara McWilliams, said the production company was “very sad to say goodbye to our beloved Mel” and that working with her MAFSs It has been a privilege in the last 10 years. “We will miss you more than words can express,” McWilliams said.
Only on March 13 did Schilling reveal that his “light was beginning to fade” and revealed on Instagram that he had been diagnosed with a “lemon-sized” tumor in December 2023. This was successfully removed by surgery, but in February 2024 a routine scan revealed small nodules in his lungs. Over the next two years, Schilling underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy.
However, in December 2025, he discovered the cancer had spread to his brain and announced his departure in February. MAFS AustraliaHe cites “health challenges” and a desire to prioritize his family.
Earlier this month, he shared the news of his deteriorating health on social media. “Over Christmas… I started having blinding headaches and numbness on my right side,” she wrote in an Instagram post that included a photo of Schilling with her husband and daughter.
“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 told me there was nothing more they could do for me anymore,” he continued.
Hearing those words “changed everything,” he said. “But I’m still here, still fighting, and surrounded by incredible love. Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult, and I rely on my beautiful family to take care of me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I know I will fight until my last breath and be surrounded by the love and support of my people.”
MAFSs The owner of this imprint is published by Nine.
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