Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling has released a statement regarding her health, revealing cancer has spread to her brain.
In a post shared on Instagram, the 54-year-old began by addressing how, in December 2023, she was diagnosed with colon cancer, news that was made public at the time.
Mel continued, explaining that in February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were detected in her lungs.
‘The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant,’ she wrote.
‘Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.’
However, over Christmas, the Channel 4 stars said that she experienced ‘blinding headaches and numbness’ down her right side.
‘After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do,’ she said.
Sharing a picture of herself embracing her husband and her daughter, the TV personality said that her ‘light is starting to fade – and quickly’.
‘But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love. Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me,’ she wrote.
‘I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.’
Mel expressed her gratitude for all the messages of support that she’s received, saying that ‘they have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting’.
‘Thank you all from the bottom of my heart,’ she penned.
‘If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.
‘These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mel.’
Mel’s Instagram post has been inundated with messages of support.
‘OH Mel – this has broken my heart for you and your family and everyone who loves you. I feel so lucky to have met you and to have felt your love. Im sending all my love and I hope you know the impact you have had on so many. Lots of love ❤️,’ wrote TV presenter Ashley James.
‘What a nourishing, bright light you are. Sending tons of this..❤️❤️❤️❤️,’ Dawn French shared.
Following Mel’s announcement, Channel 4 and E4 released a statement confirming that she’ll be leaving Married At First Sight UK after five series.
The statement read: ‘All of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel’s health, and are sending all of our love and support to Mel and her family.
‘Over five series of Married At First Sight UK, and twelve series of Married At First Sight Australia, Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague.
‘Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through, and these qualities mean that everyone involved in MAFS, from the producers and contributors, to the viewers, love and respect her as much as we do.’
The statement also confirmed that ‘with Mel’s blessing’, Married At First Sight Australia star John Aiken will take over her role on the UK version of the show for this series.
‘MAFS UK is currently filming and, with Mel’s blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us the great favour of stepping in for her for this series,’ the message continued.
‘If anyone would like support, please find some helpful organisations and a link to donate to Stand Up To Cancer in our bio.’
Last month, Mel announced that she had made the ‘heartfelt’ decision to step down from Married At First Sight Australia as an expert after 12 seasons.
‘This hasn’t been a choice I’ve made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable,’ she wrote at the time.
‘It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.
‘What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years.’
Mel concluded her message by writing: ‘I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together.
‘Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me.’
