Married at First Sight Australia expert Mel Schilling confirmed earlier this year she’d be laving the show after 12 years.
Tianna Corbin TV Reporter
09:13, 12 Mar 2026
Mel has been part of MAFS for 12 years(Image: Channel 4)
Mel Schilling is departing her position as an expert on Married at First Sight after 12 years and fans have been questioning who’ll take her place.
The 54-year-old relationship specialist announced her departure on social media earlier this year, revealing that she wished to focus on family time and wellbeing, after disclosing the news that she was in remission in 2025 following her cancer battle.
Since her exit announcement, people have been speculating about which personality would assume Mel’s position, with many proposing fan-favourite Lucinda Light as an ideal successor.
Lucinda featured on the Australian edition of the dating programme, which is presently on its 13th series, back in 2024.
Using Instagram to tackle the speculation, Lucinda posted an image of her response that she’d provided to an Australian publication, reports OK!.
Lucinda Light(Image: Instagram)
Outlining what was contained in her statement, she wrote alongside the post: “It’s been a real heart-tug hearing that the radiant Mel Schilling is stepping away from MAFS Australia. What a force. What a woman. She leaves very big shoes to fill.
“Since the news dropped, I’ve had a wave of gorgeous messages asking if I’d consider stepping into her role. I’m deeply touched and truly mean that. The faith people have in me is not lost on me.
“But let’s be honest… I’m very single. And currently in London filming @celebsgodating and very much in student mode. I’m learning, unlearning, stretching, laughing at myself and soaking up wisdom from the agency.”
Mel announced she was leaving the dating show after 12 years(Image: Channel 4)
Lucinda then expressed her affection for Mel regarding the next phase of her journey and voiced her confidence that the casting team for MAFS Australia will discover someone ‘fabulous’ to step into the role.
Despite dismissing the rumours she’d be appearing as an expert on the hit dating programme, fans were swift to express their enthusiasm about seeing Lucinda return to their screens.
One person penned: “Great idea! You have so much genuine openness, compassion and empathy, and you deliver even the tough stuff in a clear but calm way. You would be a great addition.”
Mel Schilling has appeared on Married At First Sight Australia for more than a decade (Image: Channel 9)
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Another remarked: ” @lucindaslight you immediately came to my mind .. I think you would be amazing.”
As another contributed: “You would be amazing, honestly, though.”
Whilst someone else posted: “Wow, that would have been amazing! I love Mel, she is beautiful and kind, and what a perfect person you would be! You are a beautiful light and soul. I hope to see you more on the screen – you are meant to shine your light and help others.”
Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 7.30pm
