Mel Schilling: Married at First Sight dating coach dies aged 54 after cancer battle

Beloved Married At First Sight personality Mel Schilling has died aged 54 following an extended battle with cancer.

The popular dating coach, psychologist and TV presenter was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023, with a tumour successfully removed and a positive prognosis given.

Learning the cancer had spread to her lungs in February 2024, Schilling underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told she was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial due to commence this month.

However, on March 13, Schilling revealed the illness had returned over Christmas. The cancer had made its way into her brain, and following further radiotherapy sessions, was told there were no options left to explore.

On Tuesday evening, her husband Gareth Brisbane confirmed she had passed in a candid social media post sent from her account. The couple share daughter Maddie.

“Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love,” the post began.

“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.”

Gareth reflected on his wife’s ability to launch into a new career while entering motherhood later in life than most.

“This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both,” he continued.

“This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.

“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.

“On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.”

Gareth thanked Schilling’s TV family, and her talent agency.

Finally, he farewelled his wife, noting the fickel nature of life and the cherished moments they shared.

“Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff,” the post continued.

“I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.“Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again.”

Michael Healy, Nine’s Executive Director, released a statement on behalf of MAFS in wake of the tragic news.

“All of us at Nine are deeply saddened by the loss of Mel Schilling,” he said.“Mel was a wonderful colleague and friend. She had a gift for connecting with people and helping them navigate life’s challenges. For years, she guided us through the complexities of the human heart with wisdom, honesty, and kindness.

“Mel was a big part of our family, and she will be greatly missed. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with her husband Gareth, their daughter Maddie and her entire family during this incredibly difficult time.”

Former cast members were quick to offer their condolences to the kind-hearted dating coach.

“Oh my…absolutely devastating,” Jessika Power wrote.

While Lucinda Light and Awhina Rutene each offered teary-eyed emojis.

A raft of Aussie media personalities sent their love to Schilling’s family, expressing shock in response to the news.

“Heartbreaking. What a women. ❤️,” TV personality Anna Heinrich wrote.

Columnist Jana Hocking added: “Oh my heart 💔 one off the best. A true girls girl, always offering words of encouragement and a ray of sunshine ☀️ sending so much love x”.

Schilling also served time as a dating coach on the UK version of MAFS, with cast member Laura Vaughan posting a heart-warming tribute to her good friend.

“Darling Mel. 💔💔 To say you were an inspiration to many would fall incredibly short. You were a beacon of light to all who knew you, loved you and watched you around the world,” Vaughan wrote.

“To know you is to be in awe of you. I remember us talking about your cancer diagnosis backstage on a campaign shoot, you grabbed my hand and with a wink you said ‘I’m a fighter, don’t you worry’ and that’s exactly what you were.

“I feel so privileged to have met you, worked with you and experienced firsthand the kindness you gave in abundance. It embodied you. This world is a lonelier place without you in it.

Thoughts are with your family and those close to you. Rest easy now.”