Mel Schilling, recognized by many as a relationship coach on the series Married at First Sight, has passed away at the age of 54 after battling cancer. This occurred weeks after she disclosed that her cancer had progressed and was no longer treatable. The television personality was part of the show from 2016 until her passing this year.
MAFS relationship coach Mel Schilling passes away at 54
Mel Schilling, the relationship coach from Married at First Sight, has died at the age of 54. She was widely recognized for her role in the Nine Network reality series, which she joined in 2016. She contributed to both the Australian and UK versions of the show.
According to a statement from her family, she passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones (via The Guardian).
A statement from her husband, Gareth, expressed, “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.”
Her husband further stated, “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.”
In March, Schilling had shared that she underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy; however, it ultimately did not yield the desired results.
Numerous tributes have been paid to the relationships coach, including those from Fearne Cotton, Alison Hammond, radio presenter Harriet Rose, and Love Island star Ekin Su. Married at First Sight also released a heartfelt tribute to the 53-year-old.
MAFS posted on Instagram, “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.”
Tributes continue to flow in for Mel Schilling.
