TRIBUTES are pouring in for Married At First Sight’s Mel Schilling after she died of cancer.
Mel’s podcast co-host, Elizabeth Day, shared a heart-wrenching reflection on her close friend, including their final moments together.
The pair hosted the How To Date podcast together and Elizabeth referred to her pal as “my girl.”
Mel died aged 54 from cancer which had spread to her brain. She had first been diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023.
The much-loved dating coach was known for her work on both the Married At First Sight Australia and UK versions of the show.
“I never understood the truth of the phrase ‘she lights up a room’ until I met Mel,” Elizabeth wrote on Instagram.
“There was an inner radiance to her; a spark; a dazzle. It wasn’t just the smile or the obvious beauty. It wasn’t just the sequins she loved or the glittery eyeshadow. It was deeper than that. It was the generosity that accompanied it.”
Elizabeth continued: “She wanted others to shine, to feel special and to be loved. To be in her company was to feel anything was possible.”
The podcaster told how she “fell in love” with Mel watching her on MAFS, saying she was a strong woman who called call “people to account” and how “her strength has an elegance to it.”
“The recipients of Mel’s arched eyebrow would always deserve it. They would be the bullies, the misogynists, the narcissists. And she did it so well!” Elizabeth wrote.
“A victim would often have no idea their nastiness had been filleted from them like bones from a Dover sole by a particularly expert waiter.”
Elizabeth described how Mel was loved by MAFS contestants because “she taught many of them how to love — and, crucially, how to start believing they were worthy of love.”
“When I had the idea for a podcast called How To Date, I only ever wanted Mel to host it. I felt so lucky when she agreed. She was amazing, of course. A total pro. And she believed in it. She believed in me, which was a special kind of gift,” she continued.
“Mel’s attitude was always ‘why not?’ Why not aim high? Why not dance till the early hours? Why not have another spicy margarita? Why not meet the love of her life online at 39 (this was something we both had in common)?”
Mel’s cancer metastasizing felt like a “cosmic practical joke,” according to Elizabeth, who hoped her friend would pull through and then described their final moments together.
“She told me over Christmas that the cancer had spread. I didn’t know how little time we’d have left. I’m so blessed that I got to see her the week before she died,” she wrote.
“‘My girl,’ she said and we squeezed each other’s hands. Mel brought so much love to the world.”
Elizabeth concluded: “I feel so sad she’s gone, of course. I still have all those voice notes we sent each other. All the photos and videos: the digital trails of friendship. But I also feel that pulsating, vivid energy of hers pushing through the atmosphere of life, urging us all forwards, encouraging us to ask Why Not of love, of ourselves and of each other.
“My girl. Travel safe. Love you.”
Mel was previously diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, which later spread to her lungs and brain.
Her husband Gareth Brisbane announced the heartbreaking news today in an emotional Instagram post. She is also survived by daughter Maddie, 10.
The dating expert was hailed for her no-nonsense attitude when it came to helping singletons finding the one.
The love guru had more than 20 years of experience in human behavioural performance and purpose.
