MAFS star Mel Schilling dies aged 54 Mel Schilling’s husband confirmed the sad news that the MAFS star died of cancer
MAFS star Mel Schilling dies aged 54
Mel Schilling’s husband confirmed the sad news that the MAFS star died of cancer
Mel died aged 54 after her battle with cancer(Image: Getty Images for BAFTA)
Married at First Sight star Melanie Schilling has passed away at the age of 54 after her battle with cancer.
In the lead up to her death, it was confirmed that the cancer had spread to her brain, and sadly on Tuesday (March 24), her husband announced that Melanie had passed away.
Posted on Instagram, the statement read: “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.
“This is a woman who became a new mum and a 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.
“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. I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.
“To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it. To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante. And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel’s podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.
“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.
“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.”
Mel was a dating coach on Married at First Sight(Image: E4)
Mel, who has appeared on Married at First Sight UK, was first seen on the Australian version of the show when its second season premiered in 2016. She first shared her cancer diagnosis through an Instagram post in December 2023, captioned: “‘YOU HAVE CANCER’, Three little words that everyone dreads but no one ever expects to hear.”
The star underwent keyhole surgery, where the 90-minute procedure removed the five-centimetre tumour. Since her diagnosis, Mel regularly updated fans on her condition through social media, and even became an ambassador for colorectal charity Occtopus, The Oxford Colon Cancer Trust.
Earlier this month, Mel took to Instagram again where she informed fans that the cancer had spread to her lungs and now the left side of her brain. She told fans that her “light is starting to fade – and quickly”.
Following the tragic news of her death, Channel 4 said in statement: “All of us at Channel 4 are incredibly saddened by the news of Mel’s death. Our thoughts and condolences are, first and foremost, with her family and loved ones.
