MAFS Relationship Expert Mel Schilling Steps Down From Australian Show
Married At First Sight therapist Mel Schilling has officially announced her departure from the Australian version of the smash-hit dating show after twelve remarkable years as a relationship expert. The 54-year-old TV personality revealed her decision on Tuesday, citing a desire to prioritize her family and health following a courageous battle with colon cancer.
A Bittersweet Farewell After Twelve Seasons
Mel Schilling, who first joined the experiment during season two of MAFS Australia, shared an emotional statement on social media confirming her exit. The mum-of-one expressed feeling "privileged" to have been part of the nation's most-watched reality series but acknowledged it was the "right time" to hand over her role.
"After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married at First Sight Australia," Mel explained on Instagram alongside a montage of iconic MAFS moments. "This hasn't been a choice I've made lightly."
The relationship guru emphasized that recent health challenges and the strain of living in the UK while spending up to three months annually away from her family had become unsustainable. "It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life," she stated.
Health Journey and Family Priorities
Mel Schilling was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 after experiencing severe stomach cramps while filming MAFS Australia. Following the shocking diagnosis, she underwent surgery to remove a tumor and endured six months of chemotherapy treatment to prevent the cancer's spread.
In January 2025, Mel announced she was in remission, and one year later, she's implementing significant lifestyle changes to reduce the stress of international travel between England and Australia. While she won't be helping Australian brides and grooms navigate their marriages anymore, Mel confirmed she will continue her work with Married At First Sight UK alongside fellow experts Paul C Brunson and Charlene Douglas.
"I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we've achieved together," Mel continued in her statement. "Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK."
Tributes and Legacy
Colleagues, fans, and former contestants flooded Mel's social media announcement with supportive comments, praising her brave decision to refocus her priorities while expressing gratitude for her wisdom over the years.
Former MAFS Australia groom Cam Merchant, who found lasting love with bride Jules on the show, wrote: "Be so proud Mel. Beautiful journey. Thank you for being ultimately you with the most incredible, heartfelt & positive intentions in all that you do." His wife Jules Robinson added: "Awwwww Mel. So emotional watching that. Love you xxx"
Adrian Swift, Channel Nine's Head of Content, Production and Development, offered a touching tribute to Mel's legacy: "Mel has been on the Married at First Sight journey from season two. She helped us define the show in the early days and always brought her incredible insight and empathy to both the matching process and to the commitment ceremony couch."
He continued: "All of us at Nine hugely value her contribution to the nation's most-watched television series but we understand the pull of her home in the UK and wish her continued success on MAFS UK."
Reflecting on her time with the groundbreaking series, Mel added: "What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years."
