Mel Schilling first discovered a ‘lemon-sized tumor’ in Dec. 2023

Mel Schilling attends the 2025 BAFTA Television Awards

‘Married at First Sight UK’ host Mel Schilling at the 2025 BAFTA Awards on May 11.Credit : Lia Toby/Getty

 

Married at First Sight U.K. and Australia host Mel Schilling is sharing heartbreaking news with her fans.

The 54-year-old Australian TV personality took to Instagram to give a health update after initially being diagnosed with colon cancer in Dec. 2023. Schilling said in her post that the tumor “the size of a lemon” was removed and she was “initially given the all clear.”

However, in Feb. 2024, “small nodules” were discovered on her lungs.

“The cancer had metastasized and my world changed again in an instant,” Schilling wrote. “Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy.”

Schilling also shared that she was told she was “eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type” that was due to start this month. However, Schilling said that over Christmas she began having intense symptoms including “blinding headaches and numbness down my right side.”

Mel Schilling attends launch party event sponsored by Hayu

TV host Mel Schilling attends launch party event on Feb. 13, 2025.Ben Montgomery/Getty

Unfortunately, the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain.

“Despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do,” Schilling said. “Hearing those words changes everything.”

Schilling got candid about her current state, admitting, “My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.”

Posting the message with a holiday photo of herself, her husband, Gareth Brisbane, and their daughter, Madison, Schilling said she’s “relying” on her family to help care for her as “simple tasks have become incredibly difficult.”

Mel Schilling Family

Mel Schilling (right) with husband Gareth Brisbane and their daughter Madison.Mel Schilling/Instagram

“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,” she shared.

Schilling added a word of advice, telling her followers, “If something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.”

Channel 4 in the U.K. also shared that Schilling was stepping away from her role on Married at First Sight U.K., noting the network is “immeasurably saddened” by the news.

“With Mel’s blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done a great favor stepping in for her for this series,” Channel 4 noted, offering, “all of our love and support to Mel and her family.”