Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling dies aged 53

Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling has died 'surrounded by love' just weeks after revealing her cancer had spread to her brain.

News of the dating coach's passing was confirmed on social media today with her family sharing a heartfelt statement on Instagram.

"Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love," the statement began. "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."

Schilling had been diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023, with the 53-year-old revealing the heartbreaking news earlier this month that it had now spread to her brain and was terminal.

"My light is starting to fade — and quickly," she said of the diagnosis.

"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."

Schilling is survived by her husband Gareth Brisbane and their 10-year-old daughter Maddie.

She 'never complained and never stopped showing courage'

The tribute went on to praise Schilling determination in both her career and health battles, reading: "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."

The overlooked signs of Mel's cancer

Mel previously opened up about the two overlooked signs, which were 'blinding headaches' and 'numbness down my right side'.

"Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side," she explained to her fans earlier in March when she made the heartbreaking announcement.

"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."

The NHS explains that the symptoms of a malignant brain tumour (brain cancer) can vary depending on the type of tumour, where it is in the brain, what's causing it and how quickly it's growing.

Common symptoms of a brain tumour may include:

• New headaches, or headaches that are getting worse – these usually happen with other symptoms
• Feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) when moving suddenly – this usually happens with other symptoms
• Fits (seizures)
• Eye problems that are getting worse, such as blurred vision, seeing dots and lines or flashes of light, or not being able to see out of the corners of your eyes
• Feeling sleepy or fainting (losing consciousness)
• Changes to behaviour or personality, such as problems with thinking and concentration

Common symptoms of colon cancer

The NHS explains:

• Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
• Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
• Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
• Bleeding from your bottom
• Stomach pain
• A lump in your stomach
• Bloating
• Losing weight without trying

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.