Married At First Sight’s long-time relationship expert Mel Schilling has announced that she has written “leave” and will be stepping away from MAFS after 10 years.
The dating coach, who has been sitting on the couch and calling out bad behaviour since season two in 2016, shared the surprising news on Tuesday morning.
“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 in a statement from Channel 9.
“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.”
Mel went on to say that she’s “incredibly grateful” for the show’s viewers, the production team, and her fellow MAFS experts John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla for “their trust and passion over the years”.
“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,” she continued.
“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.”
In addition to her appearance on MAFS Australia, Mel has been a relationship expert on the UK series since 2021. She currently lives in London with her husband Gareth and 10-year-old daughter Maddie, and would return to Australia for a few months each year to film MAFS.
Mel revealed in December 2023 that she had been diagnosed with stage three colon cancer and underwent surgery to remove a 5cm tumour. She announced her cancer was in remission in early 2025.
It’s yet to be announced who will be replacing Mel on the MAFS couch, but fans can still watch the TV icon deliver some hard truths and shocked facial expressions as this year’s season continues.
