MAFS star Mel Schilling diagnosed with terminal cancer in tragic announcement

The dating coach made a heartbreaking announcement as she declared, “my light is starting to fade”.

Married At First Sight’s Mel Schilling issued a health update as she was flooded with messages of support. In a candid Instagram post, the dating coach, 54, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and has now been told at the age of 54 that there is nothing more doctors can do.

The TV coach quit MAFS Australia recently and has now revealed to fans that doctors had told her cancer had spread to the left side of her brain, which was causing her headaches and numbness – and that they couldn’t do anymore.

Mel began: “In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. ‘Terry,’ as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear — that much many of you already know.

Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant. 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. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.”

MAFS star Mel Schilling is a dating coach on the UK version of the show (Image: Getty)

She continued: “Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side. After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do.

“Hearing those words changes everything.”

The MAFS star said: “So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.

Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people.”

She added, “At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life. These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mel.”

The dating coach was flooded with messages of support from celebrity pals and fans alike.

Dawn French penned: “What a nourishing, bright light you are. Sending tons of this…[heart emojis].” Kerry Katona wrote: “Sending you so much strength and love.”

Mel Schilling recently quit Married At First Sight Australia (Image: Getty)

Tasha Ghouri remarked: “Sending so much love.”

Channel 4 said in a statement following Mel’s post: “All of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel’s health, and are sending all of our love and support to Mel and her family. Over five series of Married at First Sight UK, and twelve series of Married at First Sight Australia, Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague.

“Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through, and these qualities mean that everyone involved in MAFS, from the producers and contributors, to the viewers, love and respect her as much as we do.

“MAFS UK is currently filming and, with Mel’s blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us the great favour of stepping in for her for this series.”

They added, “Meanwhile CPL – the production company who make MAFSUK – said: “We were shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Mel’s diagnosis.

“She is not only a valued colleague but a dear friend, and has played an integral role in the success of Married At First Sight over many years.”

“Mel is greatly loved and respected by everyone at CPL, and our thoughts with her and her family as they face this profoundly difficult time.

“We are sending our love, strength and unwavering support.”