‘Nothing doctors can do’: MAFS dating coach Mel Schilling says cancer has spread | ITV News

Married at First Sight dating coach Mel Schilling has said her cancer has spread to her brain and doctors have told her there is “nothing further they can do”.

The TV star, 54, was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and went on to receive the all clear, but small nodules were later discovered in her lungs in February 2024.

The mum-of-one underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy while filming MAFS, and was anticipating joining a groundbreaking clinical trial in March this year, but was told over Christmas that the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain.

It was then that her oncology team told her there was nothing further they could do, Schilling wrote in an Instagram post.

“Hearing those words changes everything. So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly,” Schilling said.

“But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.”

Mel Shilling revealed her diagnosis in an Instagram post on Friday. Credit: Instagram/@mel_schilling1

Schilling went on to say that simple tasks had become “incredibly difficult” and she was relying on her “beautiful family”, including husband Gareth and daughter Maddie, for support.

“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,” Schilling said.

She thanked people for messaging her words of encouragement and support and said they have helped “shape the mindset” she needed to “keep fighting”.

“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,” Schilling said.

Schilling announced in February she would be stepping back from the Australian version of Married at First Sight after 12 seasons on the expert panel.

Mel Schilling was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023. Credit: Instagram/@mel_schilling1

Channel 4 said MAFS Australia expert John Aiken will step in to replace Schilling for the remainder of the UK series, which is currently being filmed.

“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,” the broadcaster said.

“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.”

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