Married At First Sight (MAFS)’s relationship expert Mel Schilling has shared a heartbreaking update on her cancer battle, revealing that it has now spread to the left side of her brain.
The dating coach and TV personality, 54, was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and underwent surgery to successfully remove a tumour. Unfortunately, she discovered during a routine scan in late February 2024 that the cancer had metastasised and there were small nodules in her lungs.
Mel shared an Instagram post on Friday morning revealing that she had undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy over the past two years while continuing to film MAFS in both Australia and the UK, and she became optimistic when she was told she was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial due to start in March 2026.
“Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side,” she wrote.
“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.”
‘I honestly don’t know how long I have left’
The mother-of-one admitted that her “light is starting to fade”, but she is still fighting and is “surrounded by the most incredible love”.
“Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me,” she continued. “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.”
She ended the post saying that the messages of support she has received have “helped shape the mindset [she has] needed to keep fighting”, and she encouraged others to prioritise their health.
“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,” she said.
Mel’s post, accompanied by a sweet family photo with her husband Gareth Brisbane and daughter Madison, quickly received messages of support from former MAFS stars and well-known personalities. Dawn French called her a “nourishing, bright light”, while Lucinda Light, Domenica Calarco and Kerry Balbuziente all sent their love.
Mel Schilling quits MAFS
Mel’s post comes shortly after she announced that she would be stepping back from her role on MAFS after 10 years.
“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.”
