MAFS star dies 12 days after sad health reveal
In shock news for MAFS fans, one of the programme’s much-loved experts has died aged 54 years. She leaves behind her husband and 10-year-old daughter.
Source: Instagram
Married At First Sight expert and psychologist Mel Schilling has died at the age of 54, barely a fortnight after revealing a devastating health update.
Schilling’s husband, Gareth Brisbane, shared the sad news on her Instagram page on Tuesday night, saying the TV star died peacefully 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,” he wrote.
“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.”
Mel Schilling was on MAFS for 12 season. Photo: Nine
You might like
Schilling was diagnosed with colon cancer — with a tumour the “size of a lemon” — in December 2023, followed by lung cancer in February 2024.
Then last Christmas she was hit by “blinding headaches and numbness” down her 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,” Schilling told her followers this month.
“Hearing those words changes everything,” she wrote.
Stay informed, daily
“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.”
A month ago, Schilling stepped back from her role on Married At First Sight after 12 seasons.
Schilling leaves behind her husband and 10-year-old daughter Maddie.
In a lengthy statement, Brisbane said his wife was an incredible mum, role model and soulmate.
“This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both,” he said.
“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.”
He added: “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.
“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.”
Want to see more stories from InDaily Qld in your Google search results?
- Click here to set InDaily Qld as a preferred source.
- Tick the box next to "InDaily Qld". That's it.
