Mel Schilling cancer diagnosis: TV star and dating coach dies aged 54

‘To honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.’

Reality TV star Mel Schilling has died aged 54 after battling colon cancer for the last two years.

The Australian dating coach, who featured on reality series Married At First Sight, was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023.

A statement shared on her Instagram by her husband Gareth late on Tuesday said: “Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.”

“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.

Her husband said Schilling became a new mum and TV star at 42 and “nailed both”.“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,” the statement said.

“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.

Her family thanked Schilling’s friendship group as well as the support garnered globally for the popular dating coach.

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“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 statement said.

“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.”

Schilling had shared an update earlier this month saying she didn’t know how long she had left to live after the cancer had spread to her lungs and now her brain, with doctors saying there is nothing more they can do for her.

‘Absolutely heartbreaking’

Tributes erupted on the Instagram post to share the love for Schilling and her family.

Former contestants in Australia and the UK version of the series shared the heartbreak over the loss of the beloved reality TV host.

“Absolutely heartbreaking. I’m so sorry for your loss, Mel will be so missed. I’ll never forget the warmth and kindness she showed me,” former Australian contestant Tahnee Cook said.

“Lost for words… completely heartbroken. Such a truly beautiful soil, inside and out,” UK participant Lacey Martin wrote.

“I never met Mel but I always thought she came across so well and spoke a lot of sense. Sending love to all who knew her and will endeavour to appreciate the days I have and honour her memory,” singer Sophie Ellis Bextor wrote.

Nine, the broadcaster of MAFS, shared a statement about the deep sadness of the loss of Schilling.

“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,” Executive Director of Entertainment, Streaming and Broadcasting Michael Healy said.

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