Married At First Sight star and dating coach Mel Schilling has been diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 54

Married At First Sight star and dating coach Mel Schilling has been diagnosed with terminal cancer (
Image: Getty Images)

Married At First Sight star and dating coach Mel Schilling has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The TV star was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and has now been told at the age of 54 that there is nothing more doctors can do.

Mel quit MAFS Australia recently and has now revealed to fans that doctors had told her cancer had spread to the left side of her brain, which was causing her headaches and numbness – and that they couldn’t do anymore.

She wrote in a lengthy and emotional post to her fans and friends: “In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. “Terry,” as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear – that much many of you already know.

Mel with MAFS UK stars Paul C Brunson and Charlene Douglas ( 
Image:
Channel 4)
“Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant. Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a ground-breaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.”

Mel then tragically revealed she had been given more bad news and said she wasn’t sure how long she had left. She explained: “Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side.

“After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do.

Mel with her family ( 
Image:
mel_schilling1/Instagram)

Mel is a popular coach on Married At First Sight
“Hearing those words changes everything. So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.”

She added: “Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. 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.

“At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting.”