Mel Schilling death latest: Married At First Sight star dies aged 54

Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling has died aged 54 “surrounded by love”, her family has announced on Instagram.

The dating coach was best known for her roles on Married At First Sight Australia and Married at First Sight UK – being one of the relationship experts on the reality shows’ panels.

Schilling announced earlier in March that her colon cancer, which was diagnosed in 2023, had become terminal with there being “nothing further” doctors could do.

Now, the E4 star’s family have paid tribute to her on Instagram, confirming that she “passed away peacefully” on Tuesday (24 March). “This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both,” her husband Gareth Brisbane wrote on Instagram.

Mel Schilling death updates: Married At First Sight star dies aged 54

• Mel Schilling's family pay emotional tribute
• Schilling's husband: 'It was the privilege of my life to be by her side'
• MAFS star's 'final moments' with family
• 'Schilling radiated joy, warmth and optimism,' says Channel 4

'Schilling radiated joy, warmth and optimism,' says Channel 4

Channel 4 has paid tribute to the late MAFS UK star, with a spokesperson saying that the broadcaster was “privileged” to have her.

“All of us at Channel 4 are incredibly saddened by the news of Mel’s death,” they said. “Our thoughts and condolences are, first and foremost, with her family and loved ones.”

They added that Schilling’s work on both the Australian and British version of MAFS “reflected so much about her – her fierce advocacy for other women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love”.

They added: “For many who work for Channel 4, Mel was not just a colleague but a friend, someone who radiated joy, warmth and optimism, who energized every room she walked into, with humour and positivity.“

Schilling's husband urges fans to 'honour Mel' by 'living life'

“Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel,” Schilling’s husband Gareth Brisbane wrote in his Instagram tribute.

“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.”

He concluded: “Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again.”

Schilling's husband: 'It was the privilege of my life to be by her side'

Schilling’s husband continued with his emotional tribute, praising her strength after going through two years of chemotherapy to treat colon cancer.

“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,” he wrote.

“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.”

He thanked her fans, “wonderful MAFS family”, Channel 4, her agent and her “podcasting partner” Elizabeth Day for their support. “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.”

MAFS star's 'final moments' with family

Schilling’s husband Gareth Brisbane spoke about their last conversation before her death, writing on Instagram: “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.”

Mel Schilling's family pay emotional tribute: 'An incredible mum, role model and soulmate'

Now, the E4 star’s family have paid tribute to her on Instagram, confirming that she “passed away peacefully” on Tuesday (24 March).

“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,” her husband Gareth Brisbane wrote on her page.

“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. This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.”