Married at first sight star mel schilling dies at 54 after battling cancer

Married at First Sight expert and reality TV personality Mel Schilling has passed away at the age of 54, following a courageous two-year battle with cancer.

Passing surrounded by love

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Schilling's family announced her peaceful passing, saying she died surrounded by love, with her final moments filled with a whispered message for her husband and daughter that will sustain them.

Schilling, known as 'Matriarch of MAFS' and 'Queen of Reality TV', was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 after a tumor the size of a lemon was discovered. Despite undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy while filming, the cancer metastasized to her brain, with doctors saying there was nothing further they could do.

Tributes pour in from mafs colleagues and fans

Since news of her passing broke, tributes have flooded in from fans, colleagues and public figures, with Channel 4, who air both MAFS UK and MAFS Australia, expressing their sadness and praising Schilling's fierce advocacy for women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love.

Former MAFS Australia cast member Lucinda Light shared her devastation, calling Schilling a 'divine lady' who will be 'incredibly missed', while This Morning presenter Alison Hammond offered her condolences, describing Schilling as a 'massive loss' and a 'friend'.