Married At First Sight‘s (MAFS) John Aiken has issued a touching on-air tribute to co-star and fellow relationship expert Mel Schilling ahead of Wednesday night’s Dinner Party, remembering her as a “fighter” who “brought fun and joy” to the world.
Ahead of tonight’s Dinner Party, Aiken shared a few words in honour of Mel Schilling, who passed away following her battle with colon cancer.
“It’s with great sadness and heavy heart that today the MAFS family lost a colleague and a dear friend,” he began in the on-air tribute.
“She was someone that could light up a room, she was full of joy, had a huge smile, and whenever she was on set, everyone lifted. She brought fun and joy, humour, but she also brought an authenticity which we all loved to be around. It was such a delight to watch her shine,” Aiken continued.
“She was a fighter. She was a leader. She was an inspiration. Never complained, just rolled her sleeves up and got on with things. Someone that has meant so much to all of us, and it’s not fair.”
Aiken went on to say that MAFS “won’t be the same without her” and sent his thoughts and prayers to her husband, Gareth, and daughter, Maddie.
“We love you,” he said.
The screen then faded to an image of the beloved expert, with text that read, “In memory of Mel Schilling. 1972 – 2026.”
“With gratitude for her warmth, honesty and insight. A beloved member of our team. She will always be part of the Married At First Sight family,” the text on the screen read after her memorial.
Schilling joined MAFS back in 2016, for its second season, and became a major part of the show alongside fellow experts, Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla.
Prior to joining MAFS, she had over 20 years of experience in both the corporate and therapeutic fields and worked as a business and personal coach.
In 2023, Schilling revealed she had been diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour was found during a scan. Days before her death, she revealed that the cancer had spread to her brain.
News of Schilling’s passing was confirmed on Tuesday evening by her husband Gareth, who shared an Instagram post remembering her as “an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate”.
“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,” he penned.
“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.”
Since then, friends, family, and other members of the MAFS family have shared lovely messages, celebrating Schilling’s life and thanking her for her contributions to MAFS and expertise.
Image source: 9Now.
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