In a deeply emotional revelation, Married At First Sight relationship expert John Aiken has disclosed the poignant final exchange he shared with his colleague Mel Schilling shortly before her tragic death from colon cancer. The television personality passed away on Tuesday at age 54, leaving behind her husband Gareth and their 11-year-old daughter Maddie.
A Current Affair dedicated a special tribute segment to Schilling on Wednesday, highlighting her most vibrant moments from the reality television series. Aiken remembered his co-host as someone who “lit up the room” with her larger-than-life personality, beautiful smile, and glamorous presence, noting that she maintained her signature energy and compassion throughout her cancer journey.
Schilling’s husband Gareth shared an intimate account of her final moments on Instagram, revealing that despite being weakened by cancer, she mustered her remaining strength to whisper a meaningful message for their daughter—a moment he described as something that would “sustain me for the rest of my life.” He celebrated his wife as an incredible mother, role model, and soulmate who never complained during two years of chemotherapy and continued filming while battling the disease.
Aiken visited Schilling last week for what would become their final meeting, where he looked her in the eye and expressed his love and admiration, telling her she had “made a difference” and touched countless lives worldwide. The colleagues shared Irish whisky and memories during this emotional farewell.
Schilling first received her colon cancer diagnosis in 2023 and initially achieved remission after tumor removal surgery. However, she disclosed in February 2024 that the cancer had metastasized to her lungs, and two weeks before her passing, revealed it had spread to her brain. Throughout her health struggles, she maintained her professional commitments and largely kept her personal challenges private.
The entertainment industry has responded with an outpouring of tributes, with former MAFS participants Jules Robinson and Cam Merchant remembering how Schilling “loved love” and adored helping people. Journalist Shelly Horton, a close friend of Schilling, highlighted the deep bond between Mel and her husband Gareth, noting her international popularity across both Australian and UK versions of the show.