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Mel Schilling dead: MAFS star's husband's heartbreaking statement in full

Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and revealed this month that it had spread to her brain.

Mel Schilling death statement in full:

1. Mel Schilling, a much-loved expert on TV hit Married At First Sight UK since 2016, revealed she was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023. She told her followers on Instagram two weeks ago that the cancer had spread to her brain.
2. In a statement released today (Tuesday), Mel's husband Gareth announced that she had died, calling her "an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate".
3. In a message that referenced their daughter Maddie, 10, he wrote: "Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
4. "In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life. It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.
5. "This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both. This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.
6. "To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.
7. "On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.
8. "I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.
9. "To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it. To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.
10. "And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel’s podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.
11. "Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.
12. "I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful. Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again."
13. Mel became a MAFS star in her home country of Australia and later joined the UK version, broadcast by Channel 4 and E4. She announced last month that she was stepping away from the Australian show to prioritise her family and health.
14. Channel 4 said today: “We’re privileged to be the channel that is home to Mel’s work, which was at the heart of Married At First Sight’s phenomenal success, both in the UK and Australia. It reflected so much about her – her fierce advocacy for other women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love.
15. “Everyone who knew her will miss all this about her and much more. We share in the sorrow that we’re sure many viewers will now feel at this terrible loss. Just as importantly, we’d like to pay tribute to Mel as a person. For many who work for Channel 4, Mel was not just a colleague but a friend, someone who radiated joy, warmth and optimism, who energised every room she walked into, with humour and positivity."
16. Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, says: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Mel Schilling’s death and send our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones.
17. “Every 12 minutes someone in the UK is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK's fourth most common cancer. If you’re experiencing symptoms of bowel cancer like bleeding from your bottom, blood in your poo or a change in your pooing habits, please contact your GP to ask for an at-home test.
18. “Mel's courage in speaking so openly about bowel cancer, from her diagnosis through to treatment and everything in between, has already made a profound difference. By sharing her story, she has helped raise vital awareness and encouraged countless people to listen to their bodies and contact their GP when something doesn’t feel right. That message has the power to save lives."

FULL STORY: Mel Schilling dead: MAFS icon dies at 54 - days after revealing cancer had spread