Tristan Black has led an outpouring of grief after the death of Married At First Sight relationship expert at the age of 54.
Mel's husband Gareth confirmed the sad news on Instagram on Tuesday in a heartbreaking statement in which he spoke about her love for him and their daughter Madison, 10.
Schilling, who was diagnosed with colon in 2023, was a beloved figure to the many Married At First Sight stars who encountered her during their tenure on the top-rating Channel Nine reality show.
On Tuesday evening, Black, who appeared on season 11 of the series in 2024, told Daily Mail that Schilling had been his rock during filming.
'It was always nerve-racking to come and sit on the couch, and talking about the issues you dealt with for the week. But Mel always made me feel at ease,' Black said.
'She was kind, caring and compassionate. She always wanted to see the best in every single one of the people that were doing the experiment.'
There has been an outpouring of grief after the death of Married At First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling (pictured) at the age of 54
He continued: 'I took a massive shine to her when I mentioned how I was feeling about myself.
'She took extra special care to make me feel a bit more positive and gave me steps to try to help, to get better, and more confident in myself.
'Every time I sat on that couch and I looked at Mel, I knew everything was gonna be fine.
'She was an amazing human being, extremely knowledgeable. Heaven got a brand-new angel.
'I'm hoping her family is doing okay through this tough time.'
Mel's co-star and fellow relationship expert John Aiken shared a lengthy tribute late Tuesday night.
'Where it began and where it ended,' he wrote alongside sweet photos of the pair taken then and now.
'It's with great sadness and heavy heart, that today I lost my dear friend and fellow MAFS expert Mel Schilling. I am heartbroken, devastated and finding it hard to breathe,' he continued.
'She came into my life 10 years ago and together we rode this @mafs juggernaut, being there for one another through it all. Nothing could prepare us for what lay ahead, but she was always in the foxhole with me.
'It was a privilege and an honour to sit beside her on the MAFS couch and watch her shine. She was warm, supportive and honest, and she deeply cared about all our participants. I had a front row seat to her remarkable skills and she truly believed in the experiment. At her core she loved love.'
Mel's co-star and fellow relationship expert John Aiken (left) shared a lengthy tribute late Tuesday night
'Where it began and where it ended,' he wrote alongside sweet photos of the pair
'I am heartbroken, devastated and finding it hard to breathe,' he wrote
He went on: 'And behind the scenes we had so much fun. Before going on set we would sing, dance, FaceTime her daughter and eat lollies.
'Every time I came to set she would squeal, jump out of her chair and run and embrace me – squeezing me tight.
'And through all of these years she was an amazing mother and wife. She was loving, committed, loyal, fun and so very, very kind. And she always had as her driving force her family. She was a role model for all to see.
'And when her illness struck she never complained. She kept her challenges to herself and continued to deliver time and time again. She was an inspiration, a fighter, a leader.'
Aiken concluded: 'It's not fair that my partner in crime is gone. She was one of the good ones. I am unravelling just thinking about it. I wanted to sit on our couch together forever. She knew my rhythms and I knew hers. But it's simply not to be.
'Dearest Mel - I want to thank you for everything you have given me over the past decade. I am distraught. Sadly and devastatingly I have to accept that you are now gone.
'The MAFS universe weeps, as does all your dearest family and friends. Particularly, all my love and prayers go to Gareth and Maddie – we have all been blessed to have known her.
'I love you and I miss you gorgeous. xx'
The Instagram post announcing Mel's tragic passing was inundated with tributes from former MAFS cast members.
Jo McPharlin wrote: 'Absolutely incredibly heartbreaking to read this. All my love and strength to you and the extended family. She was one in a million.'
Sarah Roza said: 'Ohhhh my goodness!!! No! I thought she'd have more time!!!
My sincerest condolences to her loving family. Rest in eternal peace beautiful… I'm honoured to have met you.'
Tristan Black (pictured) who appeared on season 11 of the series in 2024, told Daily Mail that Schilling had been his rock during filming
Michael Brunelli offered a tribute from himself and fiancée Martha Kalifatidis. Both pictured
'I am sorry. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful woman with the whole world. RIP Mel,' Cyrell Paule (pictured) said
'Trailblazer, passionate feminine hero. Queen of kindness, wonderfully intelligent. Mel you made my MAFS journey sweeter, we will miss you,' wrote Ryan Donnelly.
'Rest peacefully, beautiful Mel. You will be deeply missed. I'm so grateful I got to be in your presence, and forever grateful for your guidance,' posted Rhi Disljenkovic.
Michael Brunelli offered a tribute from himself and fiancée Martha Kalifatidis.
'Rest in Peace Mel. Thank you for everything you did for Martha and I. We'll talk all about you when our kids ask how we met,' he wrote.
'You were so genuinely caring to us on the show and we'll always be grateful for it. Thank you for everything.'
'I am sorry. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful woman with the whole world. RIP Mel,' Cyrell Paule said.
Australian celebrities including Casey Donovan, David Campbell and Deborah Knight also extended their condolences.
'Mel was divine and lives on in Maddie. I'm so sorry for you both and all who loved her,' Deborah wrote.
David said: 'Oh no. I am so sorry for you all. Mel was a great human. Sending you much love.'
The Instagram post announcing Mel's sad passing was inundated with tributes from former MAFS cast members
Australian celebrities including Casey Donovan, David Campbell and Deborah Knight also offered their condolences
'Absolutely heartbreaking to hear this. Sending all of my love and condolences to your beautiful family!' Casey commented.
Mel's husband Gareth made the solemn announcement late on Tuesday evening.
He wrote: 'Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
'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.
'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.
To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.'
Mel's husband Gareth made the solemn announcement late on Tuesday evening
'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,' he wrote
'On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.
'I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion.
'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.
'And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day — Mel's podcasting partner and dear friend — thank you for your friendship and empathy.'
He added: '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.
'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.'
Michael Healy, Nine's Executive Director, issued a statement shortly after.
'All of us at Nine are deeply saddened by the loss of Mel Schilling. Mel was a wonderful colleague and friend,' Healy said.
Michael Healy, Nine's Executive Director, issued a statement shortly after. 'Mel was a wonderful colleague and friend,' he said
Schilling, who was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, was a beloved figure to the many Married At First Sight stars who encountered her during their tenure on the reality show
'She had a gift for connecting with people and helping them navigate life's challenges. For years, she guided us through the complexities of the human heart with wisdom, honesty, and kindness.
'Mel was a big part of our family, and she will be greatly missed. Our hearts and deepest sympathies are with her husband Gareth, their daughter Maddie and her entire family during this incredibly difficult time.'
Mel first revealed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023, and she had to have surgery to .
In a lengthy Instagram post last week, she revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in 2024, and over Christmas it was discovered it had spread to her brain.
Mel had written: '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 explained that she had undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy during the past two years while also filming MAFS.
She was due to start a new clinical trial this March, however over Christmas she began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down her right side.
After tests it was discovered the cancer had spread to her brain and there is nothing further doctors can do.
Mel wrote: 'My light is starting to fade - and quickly.'
She explained that she had undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy during the past two years while also filming MAFS
Mel is pictured with her husband Gareth and daughter Madison, 10
Last month, Mel announced she was stepping away from the Australian series of MAFS after starring on the show since season two. Pictured with John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla
