Mel Schilling, the 54-year-old relationship expert from Nine's reality show Married at First Sight, has revealed that her cancer has spread to the left side of her brain. In an emotional Instagram post, Schilling said her oncology team told her 'there's nothing further they can do,' but she remains determined to fight.
Schilling was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and underwent surgery to remove a 5-centimetre tumour, after which she was given the all-clear. However, a routine scan in late February 2024 found small nodules in her lungs, indicating the cancer had metastasised. Over the past two years, she has completed 16 rounds of chemotherapy.
She was later deemed eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to her gene type, scheduled to start in March 2026. But over Christmas, Schilling began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down one side of her body. Further tests revealed the cancer had spread to her brain, and subsequent radiotherapy sessions have not been effective.
Schilling said everyday tasks have become increasingly difficult. '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,' she wrote.
Schilling joined MAFS Australia in 2016 and later appeared on the UK version. Last month, she announced she was stepping away from the Australian show to prioritise her family and health. Her colleague John Aiken expressed devastation at the news, calling it a privilege to have worked with her.
In her post, Schilling thanked fans for their support and urged others to be proactive about their health: 'If something doesn't feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.'
