Mel Schilling dies aged 54: MAFS star passes away just days after revealing cancer had spread to her brain – as her husband pays heartbreaking tribute to ‘the queen of reality TV, an incredible mum and my soulmate’

Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling has tragically died aged 54 just days after revealing her cancer had spread to her brain.

The Australian psychologist-turned-dating expert, 54, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and she and her family had been living in London, where she was being treated. She announced that ‘after a tumour the size of a lemon’ was successfully removed she had been given the all clear.

But in a lengthy Instagram post last week, she revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in February 2024, and over Christmas 2025 it was discovered it had spread to her brain.

Mel’s northern Irish husband Gareth Brisbane confirmed the news of her death on Instagram on Tuesday in a beautiful statement in which he spoke about her love for him and their daughter Madison, ten.

He wrote: ‘Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.

‘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.

‘This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.’

 

‘This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.

‘To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.’

‘On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.

‘I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.

‘To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it. To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.

‘And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel’s podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.’

He added:  ‘Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.

‘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.’

Mel helmed the expert panel of the Australian franchise for 12 seasons and also appeared in five series of the UK version on Channel 4.

But she had announced she would be stepping back from filming earlier this year, in order to prioritise her family and health. 

Australian expert John Aiken stepped in to replace her for the remainder of the latest UK series, as filming was underway.

Mel first revealed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023, and she had to have surgery to remove a 5cm tumour.

Mel has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology as well as a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.

She had been a practising psychologist for more than 20 years and began her career in 1998 as a Consulting Psychologist at Morgan and Banks.

In 2001, she took on a role as Senior Consulting Psychologist with Personnel Decisions International and went into consulting as a Consulting Psychologist for Extraversion Consulting.

Mel, who has a net worth of £1million, also worked as an actress, gaining an unexpected credit in Neighbours before she was cast in MAFS and also starred in procedural cop show, Blue Heelers which ran from 1993 to 2006.

Mel’s MAFS co-star John Aiken, who starred on the UK and Australia versions of the show with Mel for ten years led the tributes with a heartbreaking message about his ‘partner in crime.’

Alongside photos of one of their first TV appearances together alongside one of their last, John wrote: ‘Where it began and where it ended.’

‘It’s with great sadness and heavy heart that today I lost my dear friend and fellow MAFS expert Mel Schilling. I am heartbroken, devastated and finding it hard to breathe.’

‘She came into my life 10 years ago and together we rode this juggernaut, being there for one another through it all. Nothing could prepare us for what lay ahead, but she was always in the fox hole with me.’

‘It was a privilege and an honor to sit beside her on the MAFS couch and watch her shine. She was warm, supportive and honest, and she deeply cared about all our participants. I had a front row seat to her remarkable skills and she truly believed in the experiment. At her core she loved love ❤️’

‘And behind the scenes we had so much fun. Before going on set we would sing, dance, face time her daughter and eat lollies. Every time I came to set she would squeal, jump out of her chair and run and embrace me – squeezing me tight.’

‘And through all of these years she was an amazing mother and wife. She was loving, committed, loyal, fun and so very very kind. And she always had as her driving force her family. She was a role model for all to see.’

‘And when her illness struck she never complained. She kept her challenges to herself and continued to deliver time and time again. She was an inspiration, a fighter, a leader.’

‘It’s not fair that my partner in crime is gone. She was one of the good ones. I am unravelling just thinking about it. I wanted to sit on our couch together forever. She knew my rhythms and I knew hers. But it’s simply not to be.’

‘Dearest Mel – I want to thank you for everything you have given me over the past decade. I am distraught. Sadly and devastatingly I have to accept that you are now gone.

‘The MAFS universe weeps, as does all your dearest family and friends. Particularly, all my love and prayers go to Gareth and Maddie – we have all been blessed to have known her. I love you and I miss you gorgeous. xx.’

Channel 4 paid tribute to Mel on Tuesday, writing: ‘All of us at Channel 4 are incredibly saddened by the news of Mel’s death. Our thoughts and condolences are, first and foremost, with her family and loved ones.

‘We’re privileged to be the channel that is home to Mel’s work, which was at the heart of Married at First Sight’s phenomenal success, both in the UK and Australia. It reflected so much about her – her fierce advocacy for other women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love.

‘Just as importantly, we’d like to pay tribute to Mel as a person. For many who work for Channel 4, Mel was not just a colleague but a friend, someone who radiated joy, warmth and optimism, who energised every room she walked into with humour and postivity.

‘Everyone who knew her will miss all this about her and much more. We share in the sorrow that we’re sure many viewers will now feel at this terrible loss.’ 

CPL, who make Married at First Sight UK added: ‘All at CPL were deeply saddened to hear of the death of our beloved friend and colleague, Mel Schilling.

‘Over many years, many of us have been privileged to work with Mel on Married at First Sight, and her loss today will come as a tremendous sadness to all who knew her.

‘Mel went far beyond being just a fantastic on-screen presenter; she was a friend to CPL, and to many of us who worked with her.

‘We send our love and heartfelt condolences at this incredibly difficult time to Mel’s family, friends, and all who were close to her. She will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.’

Mel’s fellow dating expert on MAFS UK Charlene Douglas wrote that she was ‘devastated’. 

She penned: ‘Gareth, know that Mel loved you and Maddie beyond words. Always here for you if you need anything. To my darling Mel – rest in eternal peace. Love you.’ 

MAFS UK star Laura Vaughan added: ‘Darling Mel. To say you were an inspiration to many would fall incredibly short. You were a beacon of light to all who knew you, loved you and watched you around the world. 

‘To know you is to be in awe of you. I remember us talking about your cancer diagnosis backstage on a campaign shoot, you grabbed my hand and with a wink you said “I’m a fighter, don’t you worry” and that’s exactly what you were. 

‘I feel so privileged to have met you, worked with you and experienced firsthand the kindness you gave in abundance. It embodied you. This world is a lonelier place without you in it. Thoughts are with your family and those close to you. Rest easy now.’

MAFS star Davide Anica wrote: ‘Rest in peace angel. You will be missed. My throught and prayers are with @mel_schilling1 family.’ 

Sophie Ellis-Bextor penned: ‘I never met Mel, but I always thought she came across so well and spoke a lot of sense. Sending love to all who knew her and will endeavour to appreciate the days I have and honour her memory. Xx’

Celebs Go Dating coach and friend of Mel’s Anna Williamson wrote: ‘What a woman. A fighter til the end, an end that was far far too soon. All of our Channel 4 family are grieving the loss of Mel. She touched a lot of people on and off screen.

‘As her E4 ‘stable mate’ and with a love of coaching others and juggling being telly mums we naturally gravitated towards eachother, held a deep respect for eachother and became friends. Mel was always optimistic in spirit about her cancer diagnosis and fight for recovery.

‘She never complained when she’d message, and was always putting in the fight for her Gareth and Maddie. Many people were touched by Mel and benefited from her badass approach to life, her work and her family and I know that legacy will continue.

‘And it’s her beautiful family who my heart goes out to in particular, I can only imagine the pain at her loss, the sheer love and pride she had for her Gareth & Maddie was off the charts!! A fiercely proud wife and mama ❤️ Rest now my friend. Thanks for the always cheery voicenotes “just because”.’

Fearne Cotton posted a string of heart emojis and good friend Bryony Gordon wrote, ‘I’m so sorry to hear this. Sending much love to you all xxxx.’

MAFS star Matt Pilmoor wrote: ‘Heart breaking, such an incredible lady. Thoughts to all her family and friends.’ 

Vicky Pattison commented: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking. A beautiful woman inside and out… my thoughts are with your family and friends.’

Elizabeth Day, Mel’s friend who she co-hosted the How To Date podcast with, wrote a lengthy statement on Instagram alongside a series of photos from their friendship.

‘I never understood the truth of the phrase “she lights up a room” until I met Mel,’ Elizabeth wrote. ‘There was an inner radiance to her; a spark; a dazzle. It wasn’t just the smile or the obvious beauty. It wasn’t just the sequins she loved or the glittery eyeshadow. It was deeper than that. It was the generosity that accompanied it…

‘She was told the cancer had come back the day before our launch party for How To Date, held with cruel irony on Valentine’s Day. She came to that party, swathed in fabulous gold sequins, looking stunning. We danced to House of Pain’s Jump Around. We jointly cut into a camp, pink wedding cake. She showed up. She always showed up.

‘She told me over Christmas that the cancer had spread. I didn’t know how little time we’d have left. I’m so blessed that I got to see her the week before she died.

‘”My girl,” she said and we squeezed each other’s hands. Mel brought so much love to the world. It makes me happy to think that she found love with the amazing Gareth and their incredible daughter Maddie. To watch that family go through the unimaginable has been a lesson in courage and grace. A lesson in love, most of all.

‘I feel so sad she’s gone, of course. I still have all those voicneotes we sent each other. All the photos and videos: the digital trails of friendship. But I also feel that pulsating, vivid energy of hers pushing through the atmosphere of life, urging us all forwards, encouraging us to ask Why Not of love, of ourselves and of each other.

‘My girl. Travel safe. Love you.’ 

In 2023, Mel had thanked the NHS for treating her so well and wrote: ‘I wanted to say that everyone in the UK should be incredibly proud of the people of the NHS.

‘I’m not talking about the funding, the structure or the waiting lists, just the people.

‘Everyone from my consultant to the surgical team and especially the wonderful nurses managing my recovery have been just superb.

‘It’s not just their professionalism but also their genuine concern, bedside manner (especially the nurses) and their endlessly sunny disposition, despite working up to 14 hour days.’

In a lengthy Instagram post last week, she revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in 2024, and over Christmas it was discovered it had spread to her brain.

Mel had written: ‘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.’

She explained that she has undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy during the past two years while also filming MAFS.

She was due to start a new clinical trial this March, however over Christmas she began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down her right side.

After tests it was discovered the cancer has spread to her brain and there is nothing further doctors can do. She wrote: ‘My light is starting to fade – and quickly.’

Sharing a photo with her husband Gareth and daughter Madison Mel’s full statement read: ‘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.

‘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. 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.

‘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.

‘These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mell’.

Last month Mel announced she was stepping away from the Australian series of MAFS after starring on the show since season two.

In a heartfelt statement, Mel revealed the decision came after careful consideration, citing ongoing health challenges and the strain of splitting her life between Australia and the UK.

‘After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married At First Sight Australia,’ she said.

‘This hasn’t been a choice I’ve made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable.’

She continued: ‘It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.’

Mel’s love for Gareth and Maddie was so clear for all to see. 

She spoke to WHO Magazine about her wedding day, and said: ‘I had a bit of a cry on the day. It’s just the meaning of it all. 

‘I was a late bloomer in life, like, I didn’t meet my husband until I was nearly 40 and then we had our daughter when I was nearly 42, so to be finally saying our “I dos” was an emotional time. It was very special.’ 

Maddie’s birth was quite a miracle, because Mel had previously had a miscarriage. Mel was very open about her decision to have IVF.

In an interview with OK!, she said, ‘I got pregnant when I was 40 and had a miscarriage and that really changed things. That was a real eye-opener and just made me realise how much I wanted a child. Both of us did.’

Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, paid tribute to Mel on Tuesday: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of Mel Schilling’s death and send our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.

‘Mel’s courage in speaking so openly about bowel cancer, from her diagnosis through to treatment and everything in between, has already made a profound difference. 

‘By sharing her story, she has helped raise vital awareness and encouraged countless people to listen to their bodies and contact their GP when something doesn’t feel right. That message has the power to save lives.

‘Every 12 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK’s fourth most common cancer. 

‘If you’re experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer like bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo or a change in your pooing habits, please contact your GP to ask for an at-home test.’