Mel Schilling’s MAFS Co-Star ‘Distraught’: ‘I’m Finding It Hard to Breathe’
Married at First Sight Australia co-star John Aiken has shared an emotional tribute to relationship expert Mel Schilling following her death, stating he is “distraught” over her loss.
“I am heartbroken, devastated and finding it hard to breathe,” Aiken wrote on Instagram. “She came into my life 10 years ago and together we rode this @mafs juggernaut, being there for one another through it all. Nothing could prepare us for what lay ahead, but she was always in the fox hole with me.”
“It’s not fair that my partner in crime is gone. She was one of the good ones. 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.”
He ended the tribute by thanking Schilling for the last decade, adding: “I love you and I miss you gorgeous.”
Inside Mel Schilling’s Three-Year Cancer Struggle
The MAFS star was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023, revealing she was “doubled over in pain” whereas filming Married at First Sight Australia – but initially mistook the symptom for jet lag.
After being diagnosed, Schilling underwent surgery to have a tumour removed before being treated with chemotherapy. While she was given the “all clear” shortly afterwards, doctors found “compact nodules” in her lungs in February 2024 – with the cancer metastasising.
“Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026,” she wrote on Instagram.
Earlier this month, she confirmed that the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain and that despite undergoing radiotherapy, there was “nothing further” doctors could do.
Alison Hammond, Fearne Cotton and Vicky Pattison Pay Tribute to Mel Schilling
A number of British TV stars have paid tribute to Mel Schilling online, with This Morning’s Alison Hammond writing: “Condolences to her family . A massive loss . RIP my friend.”
Strictly Come Dancing’s Vicky Pattison commented on Schilling’s husband Gareth Brisbane’s Instagram post: “Absolutely heartbreaking. A attractive woman inside and out… My thoughts are with your family and friends.”
TV presenter Carol Vorderman added: “So very sorry for your immense loss. The world is a sadder place today.”
All Saints singer Natalie Appleton commented: “I am absolutely devastated to hear this news. God bless your precious Mel. I’m sending so much love from all my family to yours.”
MAFS’ Australian Broadcaster ‘Deeply Saddened’ by Schilling’s Death
Australian channel Nine, which airs the country’s version of MAFS, has issued a statement on Mel Schilling’s death.
“All of us at Nine are deeply saddened by the loss of Mel Schilling,” Executive Director – Entertainment, Streaming & Broadcasting, Michael Healy, wrote.
“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.”
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 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.”
Elizabeth Day Praises ‘Radiant’ Podcast Co-Host Schilling
Writer and podcast host Elizabeth Day praised her colleague Schilling as a “radiant, shining light” in an emotional tribute.
The duo presented the How To Date podcast together last year.
“What a woman. What a radiant, shining light. How grateful I am to have known her,” she wrote in the comments of Schilling’s husband Gareth Brisbane’s Instagram post.
“How grateful I am to you, Gaz, and to Maddie for being the loves of her life. I love you all so much. Thank you for the gift of your friendship. And thank you most of all to Mel.”
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