Married At First Sight expert has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late co-star ,
The MAFS sexologist, 51, shared a gallery of photos to social media on Wednesday which captured her and Mel having fun in happier times and captioned it with some heartbreaking words.
'My beloved Mel, I am struggling to find the words, because none of them feel big enough for what I feel right now. My heart is shattered,' Alessandra began.
'I feel so incredibly grateful for the time we shared last week... to look you in the eyes, to hold your hand, and to say the things that truly mattered. That is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life.'
Alessandra then described exactly what Mel meant to her
'You were so much more than a colleague. You were a constant, a guiding force, and to me, someone I admired and learned from – like a big sister, a woman of immense heart, wisdom, and generosity,' she said.
MAFS expert Alessandra Rampolla has shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late co-star Mel Schilling, after she died on Tuesday following a long battle with colon cancer
The MAFS sexologist shared a gallery of photos to social media on Wednesday which captured her and Mel having fun in happier times (Pictured with fellow series expert John Aiken)
'You welcomed me from the very beginning, made me feel at home in a space that could have felt overwhelming. Always kind and generous with your light. That is who you were.'
She finished by saying she would forever cherish her memories of working with Mel on the show.
'What we shared – on and off screen – was real. I will treasure it always. Thank you for your friendship, your laughter, your strength, and your unwavering belief in love,' she concluded.
'You will be deeply, deeply missed… but never forgotten, Chica. Holding Gareth, Maddie, and your beautiful family forever in my heart. With all my love, Alessandra.'
Several high-profile Australian stars and MAFS veterans took to the comments section to pay tribute to Mel.
'So heartbreaking. I'm so sorry. Sending you love at this awful time,' wrote Jasmine Stefanovic.
Meanwhile, former MAFS bride Lucinda Light shared a crying emoji, while fellow alum Eden Harper posted a love-heart emoji.
Mel died in London on Tuesday, 'surrounded by love',
Alessandra then paid a beautiful tribute to Mel after five years of working together
She finished by saying she would forever cherish her memories
Mel Schilling died in London 'surrounded by love' (Pictured with husband Gareth and daughter Maddie)
'In her final moments, when I thought 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,' Gareth wrote.
