Married At First Sight UK star Mel Schilling’s husband has paid an emotional tribute to the relationship expert on what would have been their eighth wedding anniversary.
Schilling died in March at the age of 54, after a two-year cancer battle.
In a post on the star’s Instagram account, her husband Gareth Brisbane marked their wedding anniversary by telling fans it was “hard to reconcile that the anniversary of the happiest day of my life could become one of the saddest”.
“We didn’t quite make 8 years married or 15 years together but what a love and what a life we had!” he wrote.
“By the end of our first date I knew I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you and my love for you burned ever brighter, even as your own light faded.”
“Sleep easy my girl, I hope you know that Maddie [their daughter] and I are in the best possible place to continue healing,” he wrote. “She is every inch your daughter and you would be so proud of the remarkable young woman she is becoming.
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Brisbane’s tribute was shared alongside a photograph from their wedding day. Many of Schilling’s MAFS co-stars shared their condolences in the comments, with fellow expert John Aiken writing: “Simply beautiful.”
“Thinking of both you and Maddie,” added MAFS UK bride Marilyse Corrigan. “She is missed by the world.”
Amy Christophers, who appeared in the 2021 UK series, said: “Can only imagine the heaviness of the lead up of today has been. Bittersweet.
“I hope you’re doing something lovely today to celebrate your love and I hope you and Maddie feel her around you. Sending all my love to you both xxxx.”
Schilling’s husband announced news of her death in March, telling fans she “passed away peacefully” and “surrounded by love”.
Schilling had said earlier that month that her cancer, which was diagnosed in 2023, had become terminal, with there being “nothing further” doctors could do. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy.
Aussie expert Aikens this year stepped in to replace Schilling on the UK version of the show – but the programme’s future is currently in limbo following claims from former participants.
Channel 4 removed all previous series from its online streaming service in May after three women who appeared on the UK version made sexual misconduct allegations against their partners, which the men have denied.
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