A MAFS star has said she’s “heartbroken” by Mel Schilling’s health update as she paid a touching tribute to the show expert in a sad post.
Leigh Harris, who praised “powerful” Mel online, shot to fame after appearing on season 10 of Channel 4 dating show last year.
Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling was diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023 after a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan.
But yesterday, the Australian TV star revealed her “light is starting to fade quickly” as she shared that her cancer has spread to her brain.
The 54-year-old said: “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.”
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MAFS UK star Leigh has taken to Instagram to share her support for the mum-of-one.
She said: “I am absolutely heartbroken to hear the news @mel_schilling1 has shared regarding her health. Mel you are by far one of the most inspirational and powerful women I’ve had the honour of meeting.
“Your light shines brighter than you know, you radiate the most beautiful energy and that is something that will stay with me forever. Your determination to fight for what’s right and stand up for what you believe in is something I always admired.”
Leigh continued: “I’m truly grateful for the time I got to spend with you and for the advice, knowledge, wisdom and love you’ve shown. You shine brighter than you know and your influence will live on in all who have been blessed to know you.
“I hope you recognise the impact you’ve made on so many. Life really is cruel sometimes and it’s moments like this that should remind us never to take anything for granted.
“Be loud, be proud, speak up, love hard and most importantly, we should all be a little bit more ‘Mel’.”
Mel announced last month that she was taking a step back from the Australian show to focus on her family and health.
The Australian has been open with fans about her cancer battle and previously told how in 2023 she was initially given the all clear.
But, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered on her lungs.
Mel said: “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.”
She continued: “Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side. My light is starting to fade — and quickly.”
The star married husband Gareth in 2018 in Bali after meeting on dating website eHarmony.
They welcomed daughter Maddie via IVF in November 2015, and Mel said her family is keeping her going despite the devastating news.
Mel added: “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.”
