Mel Schilling has received an outpouring of support from former Married At First Sight contestants, after sharing the devastating news that her cancer has spread to her brain.
The reality TV star, 54, revealed on Friday that she doesn’t know how long she has left, after doctors told her there is ‘nothing further they can do’.
Several past brides and grooms shared emotional messages of support following the announcement, reflecting on the impact Mel had during their time on the show.
Season one bride Zoe Hendrix was among the first to comment, writing: ‘I’m so sorry you are going through this. Thinking of you and sending lots of love your way.’
Season eight bride Kerry Balbuziente (née Knight) also shared her support, telling Schilling: ‘We love you, Mel. Sending the calm, strength and comfort you gave us right back to you now. You and your beautiful family are in our thoughts.’
Meanwhile, season six groom Nicolas Jovanovic described the news as heartbreaking.
Mel Schilling, 54, (pictured) has received an outpouring of support from former Married At First Sight contestants, after sharing the devastating news that her cancer has spread to her brain
‘I’m so incredibly saddened by this Mel! You have always been so amazing and kind! Keep fighting and keep being the strong person you are,’ he wrote.
Carly Bowyer, who appeared on season five, remembered Mel’s warmth during the experiment.
‘Oh Mel, this is so heartbreaking. I’m so sorry. You were always so kind and supportive to me and everyone around you,’ she wrote, adding that her thoughts and prayers were with Mel and her family.
Season four bride Cheryl Maitland also sent a brief message of support, writing: ‘I’m so sorry to hear this – sending all my love to you and your loved ones.’
Season six bride Mel Lucarelli echoed the sentiment, posting: ‘Oh Mel! Sending all my love, strength, thoughts and prayers to you and your loved ones.’
More recent contestant Lucinda Light, who appeared on season 11, shared a particularly heartfelt tribute.
She said Mel’s impact stretched ‘across oceans’ and praised her ‘kindness, wisdom and extraordinary heart,’ adding that the expert is ‘so loved’ and surrounded by a ‘beautiful bubble of love.’
Season four bride Sarah Roza reflected on their first meeting, recalling how Mel helped calm her nerves during the experiment.
Season one bride Zoe Hendrix (left, with TV husband Alex Garner) was among the first to comment, writing: ‘I’m so sorry you are going through this. Thinking of you and sending lots of love your way.’
Meanwhile, season six groom Nicolas Jovanovic described the news as heartbreaking
Season four bride Cheryl Maitland also sent a brief message of support, writing: ‘I’m so sorry to hear this – sending all my love to you and your loved ones’
More recent contestant Lucinda Light, who appeared on season 11, shared a particularly heartfelt tribute. She said Mel’s impact stretched ‘across oceans’ and praised her ‘kindness, wisdom and extraordinary heart,’ adding that the expert is ‘so loved’ and surrounded by a ‘beautiful bubble of love’
She thanked the expert for her ‘warm friendship and open listening heart,’ saying it was something she would always remember.
Season nine bride Domenica Calarco said she was ‘devastated’ by the news, adding that she was sending ‘all the love and healing energy’ to Mel and keeping her family in her prayers.
Meanwhile, season seven bride Amanda Micallef said one of the most positive parts of her brief time on the show was interacting with Mel and fellow experts.
She praised the relationship coach’s ‘warmth, wisdom and genuine care for people,’ adding that her work has helped countless viewers feel ‘seen, understood and supported.’
Elsewhere, season eight groom Liam Cooper also shared a heartfelt message after hearing the news.
‘Awww Mel! This truly breaks my heart. Words cannot describe how sorry I am, and I know these words can’t take away your pain,’ he wrote.
Liam went on to praise the relationship expert’s character, describing her as a ‘caring, beautiful soul’ who is ‘deeply loved by everyone around’ her.
‘The love and kindness you have given to others mean so much and will always be remembered,’ he added, before sending Mel ‘so much love and strength during this incredibly difficult time.’
Season four bride Sarah Roza reflected on their first meeting, recalling how Mel helped calm her nerves during the experiment
Season nine bride Domenica Calarco said she was ‘devastated’ by the news, adding that she was sending ‘all the love and healing energy’ to Mel and keeping her family in her prayers
Elsewhere, season eight groom Liam Cooper (pictured with TV wife Georgia Fairweather) also shared a heartfelt message after hearing the news. ‘Awww Mel! This truly breaks my heart. Words cannot describe how sorry I am, and I know these words can’t take away your pain,’ he wrote
Mel’s fellow expert John Aiken also shared a heartfelt message of support, writing: ‘Dearest Mel. This news is simply devastating. All of me is standing with you. Whenever you need me – please know I’m there’
Mel’s fellow expert John Aiken also shared a heartfelt message of support, writing: ‘Dearest Mel. This news is simply devastating. All of me is standing with you. Whenever you need me – please know I’m there.’
‘All of my thoughts and prayers are with you and your amazing family. I’m hugging you now and I’m not letting go.’
Mel had to have surgery to remove a 5cm tumour in December 2023 after she was diagnosed with colon cancer
However, in her lengthy Instagram post, Mel now revealed that she has found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in 2024, and over Christmas it was discovered that it has now spread to her brain.
In her heartbreaking statement 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 explained that she has undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy during the past two years while also filming MAFS.
She was due to start a new clinical trial this March, however over Christmas she began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down her right side.
After tests it was discovered the cancer has spread to her brain and there is nothing further doctors can do. She wrote: ‘My light is starting to fade – and quickly.’
Mel had to have surgery to remove a 5cm tumour in December 2023 after she was diagnosed with colon cancer
However, in her lengthy Instagram post, Mel now revealed that she has found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in 2024, and over Christmas it was discovered it has now spread to her brain
Sharing a photo with her husband Gareth and daughter Madison, 10, Mel’s full statement read: ‘In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. ‘Terry,’ as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear — that much many of you already know.
‘Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant.
‘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.
‘Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my 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. Hearing those words changes everything.
‘So that’s where I am now. My 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. 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.
‘At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. 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.
In a lengthy caption she penned: ‘My light is starting to fade – and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love’
The relationship expert, who has been a core part of the experiment since season two, confirmed last month she would no longer appear on MAFS (Pictured L-R: MAFS John Aiken, Mel and Alessandra Rampolla)
‘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.’
Last month Mel announced she was stepping away from the series after starring on the show since season two.
In a heartfelt statement, Mel revealed the decision came after careful consideration, citing ongoing health challenges and the strain of splitting her life between Australia and the UK.
‘After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married At First Sight Australia,’ she said.
‘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.’
‘It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life,’ she continued.
