MAFS legend Mel Schilling has one of final wishes granted after death
Mel Schilling's final wish has been granted, just days after her heartbreaking death was announced.
Earlier this week it was announced that the television personality had died at the age of 53 after being diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023.
Her death was confirmed by her husband Gareth Brisbane in a touching tribute shared to Instagram, revealing that she had died 'surrounded by love'.
"Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love," he wrote. "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."
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Schilling is survived by Brisbane and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie.
Tributes have since poured in for the dating coach across the showbiz world, with MAFS costar Paul C. Brunson calling Schilling 'present, powerful and full of heart' in an Instagram post while Charlene Douglas said she was 'hoping it was all a dream'.
Tuesday night's episode also included a tribute to Schilling, which read: "Everyone at Channel 4 is hugely saddened by the news we’ve lost Mel Schilling."
The tribute then revealed that Schilling's final wish was for the ongoing season of MAFS to continue airing, which has since been granted.
"It was Mel and her family’s wish that we carry on showing Married At First Sight and celebrate her mission to help others find love and happiness," the statement continued.
"Our thoughts are with Mel’s family and friends."
In the weeks leading up to her death, Schilling revealed the heartbreaking news that her cancer had not only returned but also spread to her brain, with doctors giving her a terminal diagnosis.
"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," she wrote on Instagram.
"Hearing those words changes everything."
Schilling went on to urge her followers to get checked out if 'something doesn’t feel right' noting that it may save their life.
"My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love," she added. "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."
Mel Schilling's friends and co-workers share tributes
Charlene Douglas
Charlene, a fellow MAFS expert, posted an emotional tribute to her friend on Instagram, writing: "I’m both devastated and heartbroken to hear of the passing of my MAFS queen and friend Mel.
"I had the pleasure of spending time with Mel in her last days and will forever treasure the laughter, the memories and love we had for each other.
"Mel’s love for life, jokes and of course dancing will forever stay in my heart. What I wouldn’t give to be dancing to Beyoncé with you right now. Sleep in perfect peace Mel. Love you."
Paul C Brunson
Another fellow MAFS expert, Brunson shared an emotional monologue on Instagram for Mel, saying: "Mel was tough. A straight talker. Strong in every sense. But when she spoke about her daughter Maddie... and her husband Gareth... everything softened. Her voice changed. Her energy shifted.
"There was a gentleness and tenderness. A deep, deep love. That's something I'll never forget.
"Mel showed us what it means to live your values. To choose people. To show up with strength, even when it's hard. To stand for something. To never give up on yourself. And to love deeply.
"She was present. She was powerful. She was full of heart. She will be deeply loved. And profoundly missed."
Alessandra Rampolla
The sexologist who has worked alongside Mel on MAFS posted a touching tribute on Instagram, which read: "I am struggling to find the words, because none of them feel big enough for what I feel right now. My heart is shattered.
"I feel so incredibly grateful for the time we shared last week… to look you in the eyes, to hold your hand, and to say the things that truly mattered. That is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life.
"You were so much more than a colleague. You were a constant, a guiding force, and to me, someone I admired and learned from — like a big sister, a woman of immense heart, wisdom, and generosity.
"You welcomed me from the very beginning and made me feel at home in a space that could have felt overwhelming, always kind and generous with your light. That is who you were."
She concluded with: "You will be deeply, deeply missed… but never forgotten, Chica. Holding Gareth, Maddie, and your beautiful family forever in my heart."
Alison Hammond
Commenting on E4's Instagram post dedicated to Mel, the This Morning presenter - who was friends with Mel - typed: "Condolences to her family . A massive loss . RIP my friend."
Ben Shephard and Cat Deeley
While presenting This Morning, the pair shared the news of Mel's passing live on air, with Ben saying: "It's time for our phone in now, but we've just had some really devastating news about someone who has sat alongside us and taken many of your phone calls over the years."
Cat added: "Mel Schilling, who you'll know from Married at First Sight, sadly passed away earlier today at the age of 54, following a battle with cancer," before the pair sent their love to her family.
Lucinda Light
Lucinda, who is arguably one of MAFS Australia's most memorable contestants, took to Instagram to write: "Beautiful @mel_schilling1 passed away peacefully today surrounded by so much love. It’s hard to put into words how sad this is.
"Sending love to her beautiful family - particularly Gareth and Maddie and all those who were close to her. RIP divine lady ~ you’ll be incredibly missed from planet earth."
Brenna Cooper