Mel Schilling, the renowned dating coach and star of the reality TV show Married at First Sight (Mafs), has been remembered by colleagues, fans, and participants as a ‘truly magical woman’ and ‘a radiant, shining light’ following her passing at the age of 54. Schilling, who appeared on the show in both Australia and the UK, died on Tuesday, two years after being diagnosed with cancer, according to the BBC.

Final Days and Emotional Tributes

Her husband, Gareth, announced her death in a heartfelt message, stating that she ‘passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.’ He described her as ‘the matriarch of Mafs and queen of reality TV’ to the public, but to him and their daughter Maddie, she was ‘an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.’ He said she used her final moments to whisper a message for Maddie and him that would sustain him for the rest of his life.

Fellow Mafs UK relationship expert Charlene Douglas said she spent time with Schilling in her final days and would ‘forever treasure the laughter, the memories and love we had for each other.’ Australian co-star John Aiken called it ‘not fair that my partner in crime is gone’ and said she was ‘one of the good ones.’

A Life of Strength and Love

Gareth highlighted that Schilling became a new mum and a TV star at 42, and ‘nailed both.’ He described her as a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, ‘never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.’

He urged others to ‘live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.’ He expressed gratitude for the 15 years he had with his ‘soulmate’ and said he would be ‘forever thankful’ for the privilege of being by her side.

Schilling’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from those who knew her and those she touched through her work on Mafs. She was described as a woman who ‘loved love’ and who deeply cared about all the participants on the show.

Impact on Participants and Fans

Tayah Aveling, who met her husband Adam on the show, said she does not think they would be together if it wasn’t for Schilling. She credited her with playing a ‘massive part in putting us together’ and believed that Schilling ‘knew that we were going to be a couple that would go the distance.’

Adam added that there are ‘probably a lot of people out there that credit her as well for being together.’ He said she ‘affected a lot of people’s lives.’

Mafs Australia’s Michael Brunelli, who recently had a second baby with his wife, said: ‘Rest in peace Mel. Thank you for everything you did for Martha and I. We’ll talk about you when our kids ask how we met.’

TV personality Jay Howard, who appeared on Mafs in 2023, wrote: ‘I have no words, our hearts are broken. Rest in peace Mel – thinking about your family at this difficult time. Sleep tight xxx’

Former Mafs bride April Banbury said it was ‘so heartbreaking,’ and Schilling ‘will always be remembered for the amazing strong woman she was.’

A Courageous Battle with Cancer

Schilling revealed her illness in 2023, saying she developed severe stomach cramps a few months beforehand and was initially told she had constipation. But after a scan, she received her diagnosis of colon cancer, which is a form of bowel cancer. On 12 March this year, she said the cancer had spread and that doctors had told her ‘there is nothing further they can do.’

She wrote at the time, ‘My light is starting to fade – and quickly.’ Despite this, she underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy while still filming Married At First Sight, according to the BBC.

In her final days, Schilling was described as someone who ‘never complained’ and who ‘never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy.’

Her legacy is being celebrated by fans, participants, and colleagues alike, with many saying she was a ‘radiant, shining light’ who left an indelible mark on their lives.

Author Elizabeth Day, who hosted the How To Date podcast with Schilling, wrote: ‘What a woman. What a radiant, shining light. How grateful I am to have known her. How grateful I am to you, Gaz, and to Maddie for being the loves of her life. I love you all so much.’

TV star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu said: ‘Absolutely heart broken… sending so much love to you and your family. Always remembered as beautiful strong, inside and out.’

Presenter Alison Hammond posted: ‘Condolences to her family. A massive loss. RIP my friend.’

Former Mafs bride April Banbury said it was ‘so heartbreaking,’ and Schilling ‘will always be remembered for the amazing strong woman she was.’

Leigh Harris, who also appeared on the show, posted: ‘What a truly magical woman she was.’

Ella Morgan, the first openly trans contestant on UK Mafs, said there were ‘not enough words to describe how brave, resilient, beautiful, inspiring and iconic you are.’

‘You have changed so many people’s lives, inspired so many, taught so many, loved so many, and for that we are all grateful, but you are equally so loved and will be incredibly missed by millions.’

Ashley Louise James from Made in Chelsea said Schilling was ‘such a beautiful, wise and joyful woman, inside and out.’

‘I feel really lucky to have met her, and I loved listening to her matriarchal warmth and wisdom on Mafs – a show that’s always felt special to me, as I binge-watched it when my daughter was born.’