TV Dating Coach Dies at 54 – Tributes Pour In

Mel Schilling, the Australian psychologist and dating coach known for her role on the reality television series Married at First Sight, has died at the age of 54, following a battle with cancer. Her husband, Gareth Brisbane, announced her death on Tuesday, stating she passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones.

Schilling appeared on both the Australian and UK versions of the show, becoming a familiar face to viewers as a relationship expert. Tributes have poured in from colleagues and fellow cast members, describing her as a “truly magical woman” and “a radiant, shining light.” Charlene Douglas, a relationship expert on the UK version of the show, shared that she had spent time with Schilling in her final days, cherishing the “laughter, the memories and love” they shared.

Diagnosed with bowel cancer more than two years ago, Schilling publicly shared her journey with the disease. According to a recent post on her Instagram page, a tumor initially discovered in 2023, described as “the size of a lemon,” was removed, but the cancer later returned and spread to her lungs and brain. Despite undergoing two years of chemotherapy, she continued to film the show, demonstrating “courage, grace, compassion and empathy,” according to her husband.

Brisbane’s statement highlighted the duality of Schilling’s life, noting she became a mother and a television personality at age 42. He recounted that even in her final moments, Schilling’s concern was for her husband and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie, whispering a message to them that he said would “sustain me for the rest of my life.”

John Aiken, an Australian co-star on Married at First Sight, expressed his grief, stating it was “not fair” to lose his “partner in crime.” He described Schilling as “one of the good ones.”

Schilling’s husband acknowledged the unpredictable nature of life, stating, “Life can be gorgeous, and life can be incredibly cruel. But life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one.” He encouraged those wishing to honor her memory to “live life to the full, love your people well, and endeavor not to sweat the small stuff.”