Married At First Sight coach Mel Schilling has been inundated with messages from her co-stars and former participants after she announced her terminal cancer diagnosis last night
Mel revealed she was told after Christmas by doctors there was ‘nothing more they could do’(Image: Instagram/ @mel_schilling1)
Married At First Sight favorite Mel Schilling delivered devastating news to fans last night, revealing she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The 54-year-old shared that she learned of the heartbreaking development shortly after Christmas, following severe headaches and numbness. She had been waiting to start a clinical trial this month – having first been diagnosed with cancer in February 2024 – but tragically, the disease had progressed and medical professionals informed her that “nothing more they could do”.
The cherished television personality broke the tragic news on her Instagram account last night, sharing a photograph of herself embracing her husband, Gareth, and their daughter, Maddie. It comes just weeks after another popular reality TV star died after a devastating diagnosis.
Following the devastating announcement, Mel has received an outpouring of supportive messages from Married At Sight cast members.
Her fellow MAFS coach Paul C Brunson was among the first to respond, writing: “Mel – your strength, and the way you’ve faced everything head on, is something I’ve always deeply admired about you.
“You’re the epitome of a fighter, and your courage has always meant a lot to me. I’ll carry that with me always. Sending love to you and your family.”
Mel Schilling is a beloved member of the Married at First Sight experts’ lineup(Image: Channel 4)
Meanwhile, Charlene Douglas – who also appears on the MAFS panel alongside Paul and Mel – shared a series of photos from their time on the show, writing in the caption: “Always in my heart Love you so much @mel_schilling1”.
Former MAFS cast members also sent messages of support to the star. Jay Howard, who appeared in the 2023 series, commented: “Oh Mel, This is so heartbreaking to read. You are so incredibly strong and brave. What a beautiful soul you are inside and out.
“The amount of peoples lives you’ve touched and helped including myself over the years is just amazing. You are a true warrior and an incredible woman my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family right now. We love you Mel xxx”.
Meanwhile, Leigh Harris, from the 2025 series, added: “Oh Mel, this breaks my heart. You are one of the most incredible women I’ve ever met and it’s an honour to have spent the time I have alongside you.
Mel announced the heartbreaking news of her terminal diagnosis on Instagram(Image: INSTAGRAM/mel_schilling1)
“I’ll always be grateful for all the wisdom and knowledge you’ve shared. You’ve inspired so many, me especially and that will live on in all of us forever. I am sending you and your family so much love.”
Ella, who participated in the 2023 season of the show, expressed: “Oh Mel. I am so very sorry. This is heartbreaking. I adore and love you so much, and this is devastating to read.
“I have not enough words to tell you how incredible and brave you are, and I am so privileged to be able to call you a friend. I’m sending all my love, strength, thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones.”
This follows Mel’s emotional post disclosing her terminal cancer diagnosis. She shared: “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.
Mel’s MAFS co-stars sent Mel Schilling heartbreaking messages after terminal cancer diagnosis(Image: Matt Monfredi / Channel 4)
“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, whilst 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.
Mel also appears on Married at First Sight Australia alongside John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla(Image: Channel 9)
“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.”
Concluding her emotional post, Mel advised: “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.”
Referring to her husband and daughter, she added: “These two beside me are my everything.” She ended the message with: “With love and gratitude, Mel”.
