Mel Schilling has become one of the most recognisable faces on Australian television thanks to her role as an expert on Married At First Sight Australia.
However, the mum-of-one, who is known for her sharp insight, unwavering standards and refusal to let poor behaviour slide, is now ready to say goodbye to the reality TV show.
The relationship expert shared the sad news on her Instagram, explaining she would be leaving the Australian version of the series and highlighted some of her best times on the show.
Mel announced a heartbreaking cancer update
This morning, on March 13, 2026, Mel wrote her friends and fans a heartfelt message about the stage she’s reached in her cancer journey.
Despite having hope the last couple of years, Mel writes that she was delivered some saddening updates and her “light is starting to fade.”
“My oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do,” she writes in the Instagram post. “Hearing those words changes everything.”
“But I do know I will fight to my last breath.”
Mel ended her message with these words: “If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.”
When did Mel first announce she was quitting MAFS?
On February 17, 2026, Mel explained that her health challenges and being away from her family in the UK while filming the show in Australia was no longer “sustainable”.
This season will be the last time we see her on the show.
Mel wrote: “After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married at First Sight Australia.”
She continued: “This hasn’t been a choice I’ve made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable. It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.”
“What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years,” she added.
“I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together. Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me,” Mel concluded.
Inside Mel Schilling’s private life
Mel, 53, was born in Melbourne and is the daughter of parents Paul and Beth Schilling. She has a sister named Rebecca Atkinson.
Away from all the MAFS drama, Schilling lives a quiet life in the UK where she lives with her husband, Gareth Brisbane, and their daughter.
In recent years, Mel has spoken openly about navigating major life challenges, including serious health issues.
Mel Schilling’s cancer battle
In February 2025, Schilling announced to the world that she was finally in remission after a year-long battle with Stage 3 colon cancer. “It’s been a big year,” she told WHO at the time.
“I was filming MAFS UK throughout that time which was very tough, but I tell you what, I needed to work,” she insists. “It was a very important part of my recovery, actually – having that purpose and feeling like I was still me, which was so important.”
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