Cameras started rolling on Married At First Sight’s 2025 season earlier this month, but one familiar face was conspicuously absent.
Expert Mel Schilling was nowhere to be seen, sparking speculation about the reasons behind her absence.
Some fans wondered if the beloved expert was stepping down to focus on her health after she was notably missing from the hen’s party.
However, Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal that Mel will indeed be returning for another series.
Schilling, 52, is expected to touch down in Sydney later this week before joining fellow experts Alessandra Rampolla and John Aiken to film the dinner parties later this month.
Mel is currently in the United Kingdom, where she is almost done filming the latest UK version of the show.
She recently underwent her final chemotherapy treatment last week amid her battle with colon cancer.
Insiders have revealed that producers and Channel Nine have been ‘nothing but supportive’ of the dating coach and offered her flexibility during the show’s gruelling schedule.
Cameras started rolling on Married At First Sight’s 2025 season earlier this month, but expert Mel Schilling (pictured) was conspicuously absent, sparking speculation about her absence
Some fans wondered if the beloved expert was stepping down to focus on her health after she was notably missing from the hen’s party
‘Mel has been incredibly strong through her treatment,’ a source close to the production said.
‘The producers have gone above and beyond to ensure she has all the support she needs. They’ve been very accommodating with her schedule, allowing her to zoom into meetings from London to get to know the participants.’
While Mel wasn’t present to welcome next year’s brides during the hen’s party alongside Alessandra, she has been actively involved in the matchmaking process.
However, Daily Mail Australia can exclusively reveal that Mel will indeed be returning for another series
‘Mel is determined to give 100% and is super happy with all the support she’s had from the team,’ the source added.
Mel, who announced her diagnosis in December, underwent surgery and chemotherapy after experiencing symptoms.
She revealed the cancer had left her feeling worn out.
In a poignant Instagram post, she shared a photo of herself looking exhausted and frowning at the camera after a long day of filming.
‘This is me. Absolutely shattered after a big day on set. Exhausted but satisfied and ready for a huge rest,’ she wrote.
She then ended her reflective post with some more positive words: ‘Cancer is tough… but I’m tougher.’
