Mel Schilling, the relationship coach on the Australian and UK versions of Married at First Sight (MAFS), has died at the age of 54. The announcement came weeks after she revealed that doctors could no longer treat her cancer.
Schilling passed away on Tuesday, according to a statement from her husband Gareth, who said she was 'surrounded by love'. In March, she disclosed that her cancer had spread, including to the left side of her brain, and that there was 'nothing further' doctors could do.
Gareth shared a heartfelt tribute, describing Schilling as 'an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate'. He noted that she never missed a day of filming during two years of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and that her final act was to whisper a message for him and their daughter Maddie.
Tributes poured in from co-stars and former contestants. John Aiken, her Australian co-star, called it 'not fair that my partner in crime is gone'. Michael Brunelli, who met his wife on the show, thanked Schilling for her role in their relationship. Tayah Aveling said she and her husband 'would not be together if it wasn't for her'.
Channel 4 described Schilling as someone who 'radiated joy, warmth and optimism', while Nine's executive director Michael Healy said the network was 'deeply saddened'. Author Elizabeth Day, who co-hosted a podcast with Schilling, remembered her as 'a radiant, shining light'.
