Relationship expert Mel Schilling dies at 54 after cancer battle
Mel Schilling, a well-known relationship expert from Married at First Sight, has died at the age of 54. Her husband, Gareth Brisbane, announced the news on her Instagram account after a long battle with cancer. Colleagues and fans have since shared their tributes to her strength and dedication. Schilling was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023. The disease later spread to her lungs and brain, despite ongoing treatment. Just weeks before her death, she revealed that her condition had become terminal.
Throughout her illness, she continued working, including filming for the reality show. Her commitment to her role remained unwavering, even as her health declined. In her final moments, Schilling was surrounded by her family. She whispered a message to her husband and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie. Brisbane later described her passing as peaceful, filled with love. The couple had married in 2018, and Brisbane spoke fondly of her after her death. He called her an 'incredible mum' and his 'soulmate'. Tributes from colleagues in television and *Married at First Sight* highlighted her professionalism and resilience.
Schilling leaves behind her husband and daughter, along with a legacy in Australian television. Her work on Married at First Sight spanned multiple seasons, including the 13th, which began airing in February 2026. The industry has remembered her for her warmth, expertise, and determination.
