Surrounded by her loved ones, Mel Schilling passed away following a lengthy battle with cancer.
The 54-year-old will be memoralised as the “matriarch” of Married At First Sight, both in Australia and the United Kingdom. But to her friends and family, she was courageous, compassionate and determined.
Her husband, Gareth Brisbane shared the news of Mel’s passing on her own Instagram page, tributing his “soulmate.” Mel also leaves behind her young daughter, Maddie.
“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,” he wrote. “Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again.” His full statement can be read via the link below.
Her loved ones have since shared heartwarming tributes to Mel, honouring her work and life.
Fellow relationship expert John Aiken, shared a picture of the pair when their MAFS journey started and “where it ended.”
“I am heartbroken, devastated and finding it hard to breathe,” he wrote, before recalling their ten years working together.
“It was a privilege and an honor to sit beside her on the MAFS couch and watch her shine. She was warm, supportive and honest, and she deeply cared about all our participants…
“And behind the scenes we had so much fun. Before going on set we would sing, dance, facetime her daughter and eat lollies. Every time I came to set she would squeal, jump out of her chair and run and embrace me – squeezing me tight.
“And through all of these years she was an amazing mother and wife. She was loving, committed, loyal, fun and so very very kind. And she always had as her driving force her family. She was a role model for all to see.”
John continued to recall the moment Mel was first diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023.
“She never complained. She kept her challenges to herself and continued to deliver time and time again. She was an inspiration, a fighter, a leader. It’s not fair that my partner in crime is gone,” he said.
“I am unravelling just thinking about it. I wanted to sit on our couch together forever. She knew my rhythms and I knew hers. But it’s simply not to be.
“Dearest Mel – I want to thank you for everything you have given me over the past decade. I am distraught. Sadly and devastatingly I have to accept that you are now gone.
“I love you and I miss you gorgeous. Xx,” John concluded.
“Gareth, I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Mel. She was a special person, radiant and kind and will be so missed by so many. All my love to you and Maddie 🤍,” Sylvia Jefferys commented.
Home and Away’s Georgie Parker wrote: “Incredibly hard to fathom that this force of nature and much loved mother, wife and friend is gone. She spread so much kindness, humor and compassion , and was so bold with sharing what she was facing and the fight she had on her hands. Sending huge love to her family. 💜💜💜💜”
“Mel was divine and lives on in Maddie. I’m so sorry for you both and all who loved her. 💔,” Deborah Knight shared.
Countless MAFS Australia participants also shared their condolences including Domenica Calarco, Rhi Disljenkovic, Jacqui Burfoot, Jamie Marinos, and Billy Belcher.
On behalf of Nine, the executive director of entertainment, streaming and broadcasting Michael Healy shared: “All of us at Nine are deeply saddened by the loss of Mel Schilling.”
“Mel was a wonderful colleague and friend. She had a gift for connecting with people and helping them navigate life’s challenges. For years, she guided us through the complexities of the human heart with wisdom, honesty, and kindness.
“Mel was a big part of our family, and she will be greatly missed. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with her husband Gareth, their daughter Maddie and her entire family during this incredibly difficult time.”
