Mel Schilling, the renowned dating coach and relationship expert from the reality TV show 'Married at First Sight' (MAFS), has died of cancer at the age of 54. Her husband, Gareth Schilling, announced in a statement on Instagram that Mel passed away peacefully on Tuesday, surrounded by love.

Schilling had been part of the MAFS cast since 2016, appearing on both the Australian and UK versions of the show. She was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and revealed earlier this month that the disease had spread to her brain. Her husband Gareth wrote: "She used all of her remaining strength to whisper a message for our daughter Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life."

News of Schilling's death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans. Fellow MAFS relationship expert Charlene Douglas wrote: "I'm both devastated and heartbroken to hear of the passing of my MAFS queen and friend Mel." Channel 4 and production company CPL Productions also expressed their condolences.

Schilling made significant contributions to cancer awareness by openly discussing her illness. Genevieve Edwards, chief executive of Bowel Cancer UK, stated: "Mel's courage in speaking so openly about bowel cancer has already made a profound difference." She noted that every 12 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with bowel cancer.

Despite undergoing 16 rounds of chemotherapy, Schilling never missed a day of filming. Her husband Gareth highlighted: "This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 - and nailed both." Mel Schilling will be remembered for her courage, kindness, and advocacy for others.

Source: www.bbc.com