Married At First Sight has been hit with a bombshell shake-up after Mel Schilling announced she is stepping away from the Australian series.
Advertisement
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.'
Advertisement
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.
Married At First Sight has been hit with a bombshell shake-up after Mel Schilling (pictured) 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. (Pictured L-R: MAFS John Aike, Mel Schilling and Alessandra Rampolla)
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
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.'
Advertisement
'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.
'She has celebrated every high and met every challenge over the last 12 seasons of MAFS but her enthusiasm to find the best match for hundreds of Aussies has remained undiminished.
Advertisement
'All of us at Nine hugely value her contribution to the nation's most-watched television series but we understand the pull of her home in the UK and wish her continued success on MAFS UK.'
Tara McWilliams, Director of Content at Endemol Shine Australia, echoed the sentiment.
'It's hard to imagine the couch without Mel. From the moment she joined the experiment, Mel brought an authenticity and passion that resonated deeply with millions of MAFS viewers, both here and abroad. Her ability to both challenge and champion our participants has helped shape the heart and evolution of the series,' she said.
'We are forever grateful for all that she's brought to the show, and while we will miss her expertise, warmth and unmistakable presence, we wholeheartedly support her decision to prioritise her life in the UK with her family, wishing her every happiness.'
Married At First Sight continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine.
Advertisement
'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,' she said. (Pictured with her family)