Married at First Sight host Mel Schilling has shared a heartbreaking health update. The 54-year-old, who has served as the dating coach on the popular reality show since 2016, revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain, and there's "nothing further" doctors can do.
Mel was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, after a tumour "the size of a lemon" was discovered during a scan. However, it was subsequently removed, and at the time, she was given the all-clear.
Three years later, it's a tragically different story — and Mel has now taken to Instagram to share the full extent of her terminal symptoms. Posting an emotional photo of her young family, the MAFS star revealed that, in late February 2024, small nodules were discovered in her lungs during a routine scan. Doctors explained that the cancer had metastasised.
"My world changed again in an instant," Mel wrote in the caption, adding that, over the past two years — while filming MAFS — she underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy. The dating coach was also told she was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to her gene type, which she was due to start in March 2026. "Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing."
However, over Christmas, she began experiencing "blinding headaches and numbness down [her] right side." After many tests, she was told the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain. In a heartbreaking admission, Mel said that, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, her oncology team have now told her there is "nothing further they can do."
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."
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The reality star added that simple tasks have now become "incredibly difficult" and she is relying on her "beautiful family" to look after her. "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."
Mel rounded off the personal post urging her followers to get "checked out" if something in their body doesn't feel right.
"It might just save your life,' she concluded.
Sophie Williams is a Freelance Journalist and Copywriter, covering everything from Fashion to Entertainment to music, Lifestyle and Features. She has interviewed a range of musical artists and authors including Alyssa Edwards, Courtney Barnett, Confidence Man, The Vaccines, Loyle Carner, Gabrielle, and John Niven, and has written for publications like Metro, Reader's Digest, ITV's Woo! and Vice’s NBGA. She is also working on a book for HarperCollins about Taylor Swift, due to be published in 2024.
