Married At First Sight’s relationship expert Mel Schilling has captivated audiences worldwide with her wisdom, empathy, and sharp insights.
But behind the cameras, the beloved expert, 53, has faced her own personal battles, including a life-changing cancer diagnosis that gave her a whole new outlook on life.
In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, Mel has opened up about her health journey and shared how she’s thriving in her new home, and teases what’s to come in the highly anticipated season of the Channel Nine dating show.
Mel, who was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2023 during a busy period of travel between London and Sydney, described how the diagnosis completely shifted her perspective on life.
‘I wasn’t listening to my body,’ she admitted. ‘I thought the symptoms—feeling bloated, not sleeping well, and having no appetite—were just jet lag. To find out it was a tumour was such a surprise.’
Married At First Sight’s relationship expert Mel Schilling (pictured) has captivated audiences worldwide with her wisdom, empathy, and sharp insights
But behind the cameras, the beloved expert, 53, has faced her own personal battles, including a life-changing cancer diagnosis that gave her a whole new outlook on life. Pictured in December 2023
Fortunately, Mel’s health has stabilised, and she shared the good news that she’s feeling better than ever and in remission.
‘I feel really strong. I’ve got my energy back, my spunk back—the spring in my step. There’s no stopping me now!’
Mel also revealed the pivotal role her daughter Maddie, 10, played in her recovery.
‘She became my little cheerleader. When I couldn’t get out of bed, she’d put on shows for me, singing and dancing. That was her way of coping, and it lifted me up so much.’
Since going public with her diagnosis, Mel has made it her mission to raise awareness about bowel cancer, particularly for younger people.
‘Bowel cancer was always considered an old person’s disease, but it’s really not anymore. I want people to pay attention to their bodies and ask for a poo test,’ she urged.
Having relocated to the UK, Mel confirmed she now calls London home, with her husband Gareth Brisbane, and daughter Maddie settling into school and thriving.
‘This is very much home now,’ she said. ‘Maddie’s going into her final year of primary school, and I’ve got so many exciting projects lined up here.’
In an exclusive interview with Daily Mail Australia, Mel has opened up about her health journey and shared how she’s thriving in her new home, and teases what’s to come in the highly anticipated season of the Channel Nine dating show
Fortunately, Mel’s health has stabilised, and she shared the good news that she’s feeling better than ever and in remission. ‘I feel really strong. I’ve got my energy back, my spunk back—the spring in my step. There’s no stopping me now!’
Mel also revealed the pivotal role her daughter Maddie, 10, played in her recovery. ‘She became my little cheerleader. When I couldn’t get out of bed, she’d put on shows for me, singing and dancing. That was her way of coping, and it lifted me up so much.’ Pictured with husband Gareth Brisbane and daughter Maddie
From developing her own TV format to teasing a future appearance on Strictly Come Dancing, Mel is embracing every opportunity that comes her way.
‘There’s an incredible amount of opportunity here, and I’m just going for it. I absolutely love Strictly Come Dancing, and I will do it at some point in my life. You watch!’
Despite being busy with the UK version of MAFS, Mel remains deeply connected to the Australian series.
‘It’s like birthing a baby—all that hard work is finally about to go out into the world,’ she said of the upcoming Aussie season.
Balancing the two shows has become second nature for Mel, who has filmed 15 seasons across both countries.
‘It’s a job, and I’ve learned how to switch off when I’m not working. Family and health are my top priorities now.’
As MAFS fans gear up for the latest season, Mel promised a bold and unfiltered approach from the experts.
‘You’re going to see us a lot firmer this year,’ she revealed. ‘I’m always very tuned in to misogyny and disrespectful behaviour, whether it’s from men or women. This year, I’ll be calling it out whenever I see it.’
Mel also touched on the evolution of the participants, saying they’re savvier than ever before.
‘Our audience has been watching the show for over a decade, and the participants have become very wise to it’ she said.
‘They know what dinner parties are about, and they come in ready to open up and dive into their relationships.’
A new element of the show—dubbed the ‘grass is greener’ experiment—will test couples in ways never seen before.
‘We wanted to emulate real-life temptation. It’s been fascinating to watch—some couples stay loyal, while others fall apart. It’s really about testing how strong their relationships are.’
Married At First Sight continues Tuesday 7.30pm on Channel Nine
As MAFS fans gear up for the latest season, Mel promised a bold and unfiltered approach from the experts
