After an incredible 12 seasons as a relationship expert on Married At First Sight Australia, Mel Schilling will be stepping away.
In a statement shared by Nine this morning, Mel revealed it wasn’t a decision made “lightly.”
“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 began.
“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.”
“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. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years.”
In December 2023, Mel announced on Instagram that she was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer. The 5cm tumour in her ascending colon was removed before Christmas that same year, followed by six months of chemotherapy.
Since this diagnosis, the relationship expert has been a proud advocate for women’s health, encourging women to fight for their health after her own doctor “completely minimsed” her symptoms.
While previously speaking with The Weekly, Mel revealed, “I’ve been learning a lot about the gender pain gap. What I find interesting is that anything to do with our abdominal region, as women, is straight away considered to be something hormonal.”
Mel’s statement with Nine clarified that while she is stepping away from MAFS Australia, she will continue to appear in the UK iteration.
“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,” she concluded.
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