MAFS expert John Aiken shares emotional tribute to co-star Mel Schilling
Following the sad news she's got terminal cancer
Last updated 7 hours ago
Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling announced the heartbreaking news she's been diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this month, revealing she's stepping down from the hit series and 'doesn't know how long she has left'.
Since Mel made the news public, she's been inundated with supportive messages from around the world, from fans, co-stars, and former contestants on both the UK and Australian series.
Now, Mel's good friend and co-star John Aiken has recorded a special video to pay tribute to her, as he steps in to record the 2026 series of MAFS UK.
The video, which was aired at the beginning of Wednesday night's (18th March) episode, sees John saying: "Since Mel made her announcement, MAFS fans across the world have come together in a way that has been truly moving.
"The incredible outpouring of love, and support from every corner of the globe, is a testament to the woman we all know and admire.
"I'm here in the UK, stepping in to support the team, on Married At First Sight, but like all of you, my heart is with our dear colleague and friend, as she focuses on her health.
"We've always known Mel to be a woman of incredible grace and kindness, but the way she's allowed us all in with such honesty during this time has truly reinforced why she is so loved. To us, Mel isn't just a colleague, she is family, our thoughts and our love continue to be with Mel, Gareth and Maddie. We love you Mel."
Mel announced back in December 2023 that she'd been diagnosed with colon cancer, and after undergoing treatment, she appeared on Lorraine in early 2025 to announce she was now in remission.
However, after starting to suffer new symptoms over the Christmas period, Mel discovered the heartbreaking news the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain, and she was recently told by health experts that there is nothing further they can do.
Sharing a statement to her social media accounts on 12th March, Mel wrote: '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.
'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.
'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.
'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'. (sic)
Both E4 and NINE Network shared a statement in support of Mel, with Channel 4 confirming John Aiken would be stepping in to replace Mel on the upcoming 11th series of Married At First Sight UK.