Married At First Sight co-host Paul Brunson has paid a heartfelt tribute to his colleague Mel Schilling, following the announcement of her death from cancer on March 24. Schilling, who was first diagnosed with incurable colon cancer in 2023, died 'surrounded by love', her family confirmed.
Brunson shared a series of photographs on Instagram alongside a lengthy statement, describing Schilling as a 'fearless' advocate for women and the LGBTQ+ community. He recalled a moment at the 2022 BAFTAs when Schilling stopped on the red carpet to hug a fan who called her name, saying: 'The level of respect she showed for fans, that's something I will never forget.'
The dating coach also highlighted Schilling's dedication to her work, noting that she continued filming for up to 14 hours a day while undergoing chemotherapy, travelling between Australia and the UK. 'Despite the travel, the treatment, the strain on her body, she showed up fully. Every single time. Always with a smile, I never once heard her complain,' Brunson wrote.
Schilling's husband Gareth announced her death on Instagram, describing her as an 'incredible mum, role model, and soulmate'. He said she 'never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy' during her two-year battle with cancer.
Tributes have also poured in from fellow TV personalities, including Love Island's Maura Higgins and Vicky Pattison, who called Schilling 'a beautiful woman inside and out'.
