Nine
After the devastating news of Mel Schilling‘s death on March 24 that has left the MAFS community heartbroken, the former expert is set to receive a special tribute at the start of tonight’s episode.
Read on to find out the details around how Channel Nine aims to commemorate the star…
John Aiken will deliver a touching tribute
A spokesperson for Channel 9 confirmed to WHO that the show will honour Mel at the start of tonight’s episode, marking the first episode to air since her death. John Aiken, fellow expert and long time friend of Mel, is set to lead the tribute with a touching piece to camera.
The relationship expert will detail Mel’s legacy on the show and remember her life as a TV personality, friend, wife and mother.
On top of the on-screen tribute, John also posted a lengthy social media statement shortly after the news broke of Mel’s passing, along with a carousel of sweet memories of the two.
“It’s with great sadness and heavy heart that today I lost my dear friend and fellow MAFS expert Mel Schilling. I am heartbroken, devastated and finding it hard to breathe,” he wrote.
MAFS will still be airing amidst Mel Schilling’s passing
A Channel 9 spokesperson confirmed to Sky News Australia that the series will continue to air the episodes featuring Mel as scheduled for the remainder of the season.
Mel stepped down from her role on the show back in February 2026 as a result of her worsening cancer diagnosis.
While her replacement on the show is yet to be confirmed for the upcoming seasons, John Aiken is set to take over her role in the UK version of the series.
How to watch Mel Schilling’s tribute
The episode featuring Mel’s tribute will air tonight, March 25, 2026, at 7:30pm AEST on Channel 9 and 9Now.
