In an emotional on-screen tribute that left viewers heartbroken, Married At First Sight expert John Aitken paid his respects to his friend and colleague Mel Schilling after she shared the devastating news that her cancer is terminal. 
Last week, Mel revealed that after being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, the disease had spread to her brain, and doctors have confirmed there’s nothing more they can do. The dating expert, 54, bravely shared her diagnosis, explaining how the cancer metastasized from her lungs to her brain after months of battling chemotherapy and multiple rounds of treatment.
Ahead of the latest MAFS Australia episode in the UK, John shared a heartfelt message, sending his love to Mel, her husband Gareth, and their daughter Madison. “Since Mel made her announcement, MAFS fans across the world have come together in a way that has been truly moving,” John said, visibly moved by the outpouring of support. “The incredible love and support from every corner of the globe is a testament to the woman we all know and admire.”
John, who has appeared alongside Mel on MAFS Australia since 2016, has traveled to the UK to fill in for her during filming for the British version of the show. He expressed how deeply touched he was by the kindness shown for Mel, who isn’t just a colleague to him but family.
“Mel has always been a woman of incredible grace and kindness. The way she’s allowed us all in with such honesty during this time has only reinforced why she’s so loved,” he added. “To us, Mel isn’t just a colleague, she is family. Our thoughts and love are with her, Gareth, and Maddie.”
Channel 4 also issued a statement expressing their sadness at the news, sharing their support for Mel and her family. The network praised Mel’s wisdom, warmth, humor, and kindness, noting that these qualities have made her beloved not only by the MAFS team but by fans across the globe. Mel’s role as a commitment ceremony expert and her guidance through explosive dinner parties, tearful confessions, and shocking break-ups made her an integral part of the show. 
In her emotional Instagram post, Mel shared that in December 2023, she was diagnosed with colon cancer after a 5cm tumour was discovered during a scan. Despite initial optimism following surgery, she later found out that her cancer had metastasized, first to her lungs and then to her brain. Over Christmas, Mel began to experience severe headaches and numbness down her right side, leading to the devastating discovery that the cancer had spread to her brain. Despite undergoing radiotherapy, she was told by her doctors that there is nothing more they can do.
“My light is starting to fade — and quickly,” Mel wrote, bravely confronting her reality. “But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.”
Mel’s powerful statement encouraged others to take action for their health. “If something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.”
Fans and colleagues flooded social media with messages of support. “This is heartbreaking,” wrote MAFS contestant Ella Morgan. “Mel has changed so many people’s lives, through awareness and incredible advice on MAFS. Mel is the heart of MAFS and always will be.”
Lucinda Light, a former MAFS Australia contestant, also expressed her devastation: “It’s just not fair. We love you so much, beautiful Mel.”
In addition to her cancer diagnosis, Mel announced last month that she would be stepping down from her role on MAFS Australia after 12 seasons. In her statement, she explained that ongoing health challenges and the strain of splitting her life between Australia and the UK had become unsustainable. “It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health, and time at the very centre of my life,” she said.
This emotional journey of Mel Schilling reminds us all of the strength it takes to face adversity, and her legacy of grace and kindness will continue to inspire fans around the world. 