Expert Shocker: Longtime MAFS Star Quits!

Married At First Sight has been hit with a bombshell shake-up after announced she is stepping away from the Australian series.

The relationship expert, who has been a core part of the experiment since season two, confirmed on Monday that she will no longer appear on the nation's most-watched reality show.

In a heartfelt statement, Mel revealed the decision came after careful consideration, citing ongoing health challenges and the strain of splitting her life between Australia and the UK.

'After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married at First Sight Australia,' she said.

'This hasn't been a choice I've made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable. It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.'

Mel has become a familiar face on the commitment ceremony couch, guiding hundreds of brides and grooms through explosive dinner parties, tearful confessions and headline-making break-ups.

Reflecting on the show's meteoric rise, she added: 'What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years.'

'I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we've achieved together. Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me.'

Her departure marks the end of an era for the hit Channel Nine franchise, which has dominated ratings and social media discourse for more than a decade.

Nine's Head of Content, Production and Development, Adrian Swift, paid tribute to Mel's legacy, revealing she played a pivotal role in shaping the show in its formative years.

'Mel has been on the Married at First Sight journey from season two. She helped us define the show in the early days and always brought her incredible insight and empathy to both the matching process and to the commitment ceremony couch,' he said.