Married At First Sight expert John Aitken shared an emotional on-screen tribute to his 'graceful and kind' friend on Wednesday, after she shared the heartbreaking news that her is terminal.
Last week the dating expert, 54, revealed that after being diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, it has since spread to her brain and there was nothing more doctors could do.
In a clip aired ahead of the latest episode of in the UK, John said he 'sends his love' to Mel, her husband Gareth and their daughter Madison.
John has travelled to the UK to step in for Mel on filming for the new series of MAFS' British version, and said he's been 'moved' by the support shown for Mel by fans and stars of the show.
Mel first revealed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023, and she had to have surgery to remove a 5cm tumour.
However, in a lengthy Instagram post, she went on to revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in 2024, and over it was discovered it has now spread to her brain.
Married At First Sight expert John Aitken shared an emotional on-screen tribute to his friend Mel Schilling on Wednesday, after she shared the news that her cancer is terminal
Last week the dating expert revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain and there was nothing more doctors could do, leading to an outpouring of support
John told viewers: 'Since Mel made her announcement, MAFS fans across the world have come together in a way that has been truly moving.
'The incredible outpouring of love, and support from every corner of the globe, is a testament to the woman we all know and admire.
'I'm here in the UK, stepping in to support the team, on Married At First Sight, but like all of you, my heart is with our dear colleague and friend, as she focuses on her health.
'We've always known Mel to be a woman of incredible grace and kindness, but the way she's allowed us all in with such honesty during this time has truly reinforced why she is so loved.
'To us, Mel isn't just a colleague, she is family, our thoughts and our love continue to be with Mel, Gareth and Maddie. We love you Mel.'
John has appeared alongside Mel as experts on MAFS Australia since its second series in 2016.
And Channel 4 revealed last week that he would be stepping in to film the new series of MAFS UK with Mel's blessing, after she was forced to leave the show due to her cancer battle.
Sharing a statement on Instagram following Mel's news, a Channel 4 spokesperson said: 'All of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel's health, and are sending all of our love and support to Mel and her family...
In a clip aired ahead of the latest episode of MAFS Australia in the UK, John said he 'sends his love' to Mel, her husband Gareth and their daughter Madison
John has travelled to the UK to step in for Mel on filming for the new series of MAFS' British version, and said he's been 'moved' by the support shown for her
'Over five series of Married at First Sight UK, and twelve series of Married at First Sight Australia, Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague.
'Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through, and these qualities mean that everyone involved in MAFS, from the producers and contributors, to the viewers, love and respect her as much as we do...
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.
The star revealed that she had been diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023, and she had to have surgery to remove a 5cm tumour.
However, Mel has now revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in 2024, and over Christmas it was discovered it has now spread to her brain.
In a heartbreaking statement she wrote: '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.'
Mel explained that she has 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 has spread to her brain and there is nothing further doctors can do. She wrote: 'My light is starting to fade - and quickly.'
Sharing a photo with her husband Gareth and daughter Madison, 10, Mel's full statement read: 'In December 2023 I was diagnosed with colon cancer after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan. “Terry,” as I called him, was successfully removed and I was initially given the all clear — that much many of you already know.
'Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant.
'Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.
'Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side.
'After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do. Hearing those words changes everything.
'So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.
'Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. 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.
'At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
'If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.
'These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mell'.
Responding to the news Ella Morgan penned: 'This is heartbreaking. Mel has changed so many people’s lives, through awareness and incredible advise on MAFS, Mel is the heart of MAFS and always will be.
'Myself and so many others are so lucky to have Mel and the privilege of working with and knowing her. Sending all my love to Mel, her loved ones and everybody who knows Mel both personally and professionally.'
Past MAFS Australia contestant Lucinda Light added: 'Devastating news. It’s just not fair. We love you so much beautiful Mel x'.
Last month Mel announced she was stepping away from the Australian series of MAFS after starring on the show since season two.
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,' she continued.
