A make-up artist who worked on Married At First Sight has recalled how she broke down seeing sad footage of her friend and colleague Mel Schilling.
Mel Schilling sadly died last month(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Mel Schilling’s make-up artist broke down as she watched a video of the late star on set.
The Married At First Sight star died last month, just days after she had announced her cancer had spread. The relationship expert had been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023.
In a statement at the time, her devastated husband Gareth said: “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. 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.”
Mel Schilling had her hair and make-up done by friend Marney Hands(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Mel’s make-up artist shared the sweet picture(Image: INSTAGRAM)
Now, make-up artist Marney Hands has penned a heartbreaking tribute to her friend, who she affectionately nicknamed ‘moo’. Marney did Mel’s hair and make-up for what would be her final appearance on the show.
“Well this was it, Moo. This was the last ever time I got to do your hair and makeup. In hindsight I am so very, very pleased we said, ‘F*** it, let’s cram in as many hair pieces as we can; what are they gonna say?'” she said.
“Although it took me the entire dinner party shift to prep the pieces, and broke my curling wand doing it, I am SO happy we could create a look that you loved for your farewell appearance. It was possibly my favourite look on you and god knows we’ve done hundreds. There’s something quite lovely about that, I think.”
In the lengthy post, Marney admitted she was in tears at work the other day as she struggles to cope with Mel being gone.
“I broke down at work (not ideal) the other day when they showed a tape package about you, Moo. I’m still struggling with the fact you’ve gone; part of my brain just won’t seem to let me process it. Every single day there is at least one moment when I go to send you a screenshot or a meme and I remember all over again that you’re not here,” she said.
“I have decided that this is my checklist of ways to honour you: be glass half full, be confident, have good posture (like, so freaking good that you can sit in the middle position on a sofa for 47 hours straight with your feet barely reaching the floor and you NEVER once slouch), look after my health, and laugh often.”She added: “Still not going on the dating apps though – you’re not winning that one. I love you, my little pocket rocket. Thank you for being such an exquisite example of a human being and I am so damn lucky to have met you.”
