Channel 4 confirms MAFS UK replacement for Mel Schilling after cancer spreads

Mel Schilling announced that doctors have told her there is “nothing more they can do” after her cancer spread to her brain.

Married At First Sight UK 's Johnathan Wileman was grilled by expert Mel Schilling during Tuesday's explosion second part of the reunion

Mel Schilling is to be replaced as host of Married at First Sight UK after receiving a devastating cancer diagnosis. The 54 year old presenter has disclosed that she has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Channel 4 has now announced her replacement, revealing that a close friend of Mel’s is stepping in as a “great favour”.

In response to Mel’s heartbreaking news, a Channel 4 spokesperson stated: “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..

“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.”

Married at First Sight Australia experts John Aiken, Mel Schilling, and Alessandra Rampolla

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John will be replacing Mel(Image: Channel 9)

“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..”

The statement went on: “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..”

The announcement follows Mel’s devastating revelation that her cancer had returned and spread, less than three years after medics initially discovered a tumour in her colon.

The dating coach and expert informed her followers that doctors have told her they have exhausted all treatment options, reports the Mirror.

Her poignant statement explained: “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.

An adult male and female, dressed in winter attire, are embracing each other in a moment of affection in front of a decorated Christmas tree.

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Mel shared the devastating news on social media(Image: mel_schilling1/Instagram)

“UnfoFor the latest showbiz, TV, movie and streaming news, go to the new **Everything Gossip** website.rtunately, 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.”

She continued: “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.

Detailing her recent deterioration, she added: “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.”

Mel Schilling

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Mel Schilling quit her role on MAFS after 12 years(Image: Getty Images)

Mel continued: “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.”

She added: “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.”

In her closing remarks, she said: “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.”