MEL Schilling was pictured beaming on the red carpet back in November in what was to be her last outing before her tragic death.
The MAFS expert heartbreakingly passed away aged 54 following a battle with colon cancer, with her husband confirming the news in an Instagram post on Tuesday, 24 March.
Mel’s death comes after the TV star told fans her “light was fading” earlier this month in an emotional statement as she revealed her cancer was terminal.
Four months prior, she appeared the picture of joy as she took to the red carpet for the Boots Beauty Awards in November, which was her last public outing.
Donning a black feathered dress for the evening, Mel even took to the stage to present an award.
Since then, she had only been appearing on-screen as the latest season of MAFS Australia – which was filmed last year – aired.
Read more on Mel Schilling
Mel was first diagnosed with colon cancer back in 2023 and initially has the tumour removed before being given the all clear from doctors.
But in 2024, Mel was informed by doctors that the cancer had spread and she began to undergo chemotherapy.
She was gearing up to take part in a clinical trial which began this month, but didn’t get the chance to before more tests confirmed that the cancer had now spread to her brain.
Her husband, Gareth, confirmed on Tuesday that Mel had passed away.
In a heartbreaking post, he described her final moments and recalled: “When I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life.
“It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.”
He ended the tribute: “I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.
“Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again.”
Celebrity tributes have poured in for the TV star, with a slew of Married At First Sight stars from over the years paying tribute to Mel.
Vicky Pattison, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Carol Vorderman and several other stars also shared their heartbreak over Mel’s death.
What are the warning signs of bowel cancer?
IT’S the fourth most common cancer in the UK, the second deadliest – yet bowel cancer can be cured, if you catch it early enough.
While screening is one way of ensuring early diagnosis, there are things everyone can do to reduce their risk of the deadly disease.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bowel cancer, spotting any changes and checking with your GP can prove a life-saver.
If you notice any of the signs, don’t be embarrassed and don’t ignore them. Doctors are used to seeing lots of patients with bowel problems.
The five red-flag symptoms of bowel cancer include:
- Bleeding from the back passage, or blood in your poo
- A change in your normal toilet habits – going more frequently for example
- Pain or a lump in your tummy
- Extreme tiredness
- Losing weight
Tumours in the bowel typically bleed, which can cause a shortage of red blood cells, known as anaemia. It can cause tiredness and sometimes breathlessness.
In some cases bowel cancer can block the bowel, this is known as a bowel obstruction.
Other signs include:
- Gripping pains in the abdomen
- Feeling bloated
- Constipation and being unable to pass wind
- Being sick
- Feeling like you need to strain – like doing a number two – but after you’ve been to the loo
While these are all signs to watch out for, experts warn the most serious is noticing blood in your stools.
But, they warn it can prove tricky for doctors to diagnose the disease, because in most cases these symptoms will be a sign of a less serious disease
