Mel Schilling quits Married At First Sight
After 12 years on the show!
Last updated 1 hour ago
She's been a huge part of the show for over a decade, but now, relationship expert Mel Schilling has announced she's made the decision to quit her role on Married At First Sight Australia.
Announcing the news in February 2026, Mel shared a statement to her Instagram page, leaving fans gutted.
Sharing a highlights reel from her time on MAFS Australia, Mel told her fans: 'After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married at First Sight Australia.
'This hasn’t been a choice I’ve made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable. It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.
'What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years.
'I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together. Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me'.
Past contestants from both the UK and Australian series of the show were quick to comment and show their love and gratitude towards Mel.
Jeff Gobbles wrote: 'Thanks for everything @mel_schilling1 you’re one of one. Good luck with everything in the future! 👏👏👏', with Domenica Calarco adding: 'Mel, I will never forget your kindness to me during some of my toughest moments in the experiment. You will be missed, the show won't be the same without you xxxx @mel_schilling1 ❤️❤️❤️❤️'.
Bob Vorsey from MAFS UK series six commented: 'You were one of the best things about my experience on @e4mafsuk you have contributed so much to the show and help create one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever done in my life which has contributed massively to the man I have become today. Thank you Mel and all the best for whatever the future holds for you 🙌❤️'. (sic)
Ella Morgan then wrote: 'Mel there are too many words to write how much you’ve changed my life for the better, as I’m sure everybody on the show will agree. I could go on for days (no one would want that lol!) I will never forget what you’ve taught me and the love, support, lessons and belief you have given me is something I am forever grateful for, and I speak for all the brides and grooms who have had the pleasure of being guided by you - when I say - thank you, you will be missed by all, beautiful inside and out and MAFS Australia is going to miss you, but I’m so glad we will still have you for MAFS uk, so much love my queen, hopefully see you soon 🤍'. (sic)
MAFS Australia expert John Aiken, who has worked with Mel for over 10 years, also paid a special tribute to his dear friend.
Sharing a photo of the pair on set, he wrote: 'After 10 years of working with this remarkable woman, my dear friend and colleague Mel has decided to step away from @mafs to focus on family and other exciting new opportunities. I first met Mel on Series 2 of Married At First Sight, and neither of us knew what we were ultimately in for. From storm outs, wine throwing and gaslighting, to heartbreak, drama and true love stories - we saw it all while sitting side by side on the experts couch.
'It’s been such a privilege to experience all this with such a beautiful human being and I’m sad I won’t be able to do this again with her. I have treasured being able to lean on Mel throughout this intense reality juggernaut journey, and to share so many laughs along the way with her. I simply could not have survived this without her.
'Mel - I have long admired your resilience, warmth, expertise, kindness and strength, and I have loved and cherished our close friendship both on and off set. You are one of the key reasons for the massive success of this show and you’ll be greatly missed by myself and all of the amazing MAFS family.
'I’m now looking forward to seeing you again to reminisce and unpack the last decade, and to find out about all your exciting new adventures.
'Best of luck my friend with your next chapter and keep shining - it’s been a wild ride and I’ve loved sharing all of it with you. xx #mafs #mafsau #mafsaustralia #farewell #newbeginings' (sic)
Australian-born Mel first joined Married At First Sight Australia during the second series back in 2016, before she joined the UK show in 2021, following a revamp of the format by E4. Over the last few years, Mel has been living between Australia and the UK in order to commit to filming for the series, spending a lot of time away from her family, who are based in the UK.
Just a few weeks after her exit announcement, Mel announced the devastating news she's been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
Sharing a statement on 12th March, she 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)
E4 has since confirmed John Aiken will appear on the 11th series of MAFS UK, as filming in taking place now.
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