Fans all saying the same thing about Mel’s final days on MAFS

In a post shared by expert Alessandra Rampolla, I lost count how many times I read the same words about the late star’s final appearance.

It has been two days since the final episode of “Married At First Sight” aired, marking Mel Schilling’s last appearance on our TV screens before her death last month, and fans are still talking about how painful it was to watch the fiery blonde in her element knowing it would be the last time we got to truly enjoy her.

After an epic blasting of controversial groom, Tyson, his sh**ty attitude and talking over fellow expert, Alessandra Rampolla, the night prior, Mel’s final appearance on the reality series took place during the reunion.
Mel Schilling’s final moments on MAFS saw her blast another rude groom. Picture: Channel 9

Obviously filmed prior to her death, the relationship expert offered up some of her best advice and insights for the participants moving forward.

While her advice will live on forever in those who have crossed paths with the star during her 12-season run, her friendship will mostly be missed by fellow experts Alessandra and John Aiken.

In a post shared a day after Mel’s final appearance aired, sexologist Alessandra took to social media with a little tribute to her pal and co-star.

“The end of a season — and the closing of a chapter I’ll carry in my heart forever.

For six seasons on MAFS, it was always the three of us. Side by side, through it all,” she wrote on Instagram, along with a behind-the-scenes snap of her, Mel and John.

“Mel, chica … what an absolute privilege to sit alongside you and share this journey.

I’ll miss you more than words can say.”
Alessandra (right), here with expert John Aiken and Mel, shared a touching tribute online. Picture: Instagram / @alessarampolla

Her post captured a heartbreaking sentiment shared by countless fans – that watching Mel on screen for the very last time was incredibly difficult to watch.

In the post shared to her 918K followers, I lost count of how many times I read the words “hard to watch” in the comments.

“Those last few eps were so hard to watch – Sending you and John my thoughts,” one fan offered up.

“Was so hard to watch knowing it was the last time we would see you altogether, and so hard to comprehend that Mel’s gone, devastating,” another echoed, with another adding: “The end of a beautiful chapter. Still doesn’t feel real.”

Another fan took a moment to celebrate the woman Mel was and how most would be remembering her as a fearless supporter of women as the show came to an end.

“All tears at the end. How she spoke about sisterhood. Whatta a woman. Whatta sister you had,” they wrote.
Mel will be fondly remembered for being a huge supporter of women. Picture: Channel 9
Mel died at the age of 54 in March, after a brave battle with colon cancer, which eventually spread to the brain.

Two weeks after sharing her terminal diagnosis, her husband Gareth (also father to their 11-year-old daughter Maddie) confirmed their devastating loss.

“Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love. In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life,” he wrote on Instagram.

“It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.”
Mel leaves behind her loving husband Gareth and daughter Maddie. Picture: Instagram / Mel Schilling
Gareth also celebrated how much of a champion for women his wife was.

“This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both,” he said.

“This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.

“To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate,” he concluded.

While next season will be vastly different with a replacement yet to be announced, Mel will forever be remembered for all of those things.