Good Morning Britain paid tribute to Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling following the news of her death at the age of 54. The 53-year-old's husband, Gareth, announced on social media that Mel had lost her battle with cancer, after first being diagnosed in 2023.
During Wednesday's episode (March 25), entertainment correspondent Richard Arnold praised the legacy Mel was leaving behind. He said: 'Known as the matriarch of the show, Mel matched and guided couples from their wedding day, offering expert advice and support along the way.'
The ITV show then aired a pre-recorded clip of season 11 star Lauren Dunn, who appeared on MAFS Australia in 2024. Lauren said: 'Now, looking back, you could see that Mel was sick during filming, and the way she pushed through and sat there, she was always so professional and kind and smiley. I think the world is really lucky they got to have Mel as their mum, she was like the mother of Australia and the UK. She's irreplaceable in my opinion.'
Richard also touched on other tributes, including one from Davina McCall, and concluded: 'Our thoughts, of course, are with Mel's family at this sad time, quite the legacy she left there.'
Mel was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and was given the all-clear, but the disease later spread to her lungs and brain. In a recent post, she said: 'Despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do. My light is starting to fade - and quickly.'
