Married at First Sight dating coach Mel Schilling has died of cancer at the age of 54, her husband has said on Instagram.
Schilling, who was part of the reality TV show’s cast since 2016, was diagnosed in December 2023 and said earlier this month that the disease had spread to her brain.
She “passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love”, a statement from husband Gareth said on Tuesday.
“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,” he wrote.
He said she used “all of her remaining strength” in her final moments to whisper a message for daughter Maddie and him “that will sustain me for the rest of my life”.
“Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me,” he said.
“This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 – and nailed both,” he wrote.
“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.”
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.”
Schilling first joined Mafs in her home country of Australia and later on the UK version of the show, which airs on E4. She stepped down from the Australian version last month after 12 seasons.
