MAFS star Mel Schilling dead aged 54 just days after revealing cancer spread
MAFS star Mel Schilling has tragically passed away at the age of 54.A statement from her husband read: 'Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love."The heartbreaking news arrives just days after the relationship expert revealed she was uncertain about how much time she had left, following the spread of her cancer to her brain, reports the Mirror.In a statement, Mel's husband Gareth Brisbane said: "In her final moments, 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.""This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 - and nailed both. This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.""To most of you, she was Mel Schilling - matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate."The sad news comes just days after the dating coach said she did not how long she had left to live after revealing her cancer has spread to her brain.In a statement, Mel's husband Gareth Brisbane said: "On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world. I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family - John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie - for your kindness and compassion. To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Ian at Channel 4 / CPL, who went above and beyond for us, we will never forget it. To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.""And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day - Mel's podcasting partner and dear friend - thank you for your friendship and empathy.""Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.""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."Mel, who had featured in the cast of the beloved dating programme MAFS since 2016, disclosed she was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2023.Earlier this month, she informed fans that the disease had subsequently metastasised to her lungs and then to the left side of her brain."Despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do," she wrote. "My light is starting to fade - and quickly." Since her initial diagnosis, the mother had endured 16 rounds of chemotherapy whilst continuing to film for the programme.She had been informed she was suitable for a "groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type", which was scheduled to commence this month, but revealed she began suffering "blinding headaches and numbness down my right side" last Christmas."Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult," said the star, adding "I honestly don't know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath."Mel originally joined MAFs in her native Australia before appearing on the UK version of the programme, which broadcasts on E4, but announced last month she was stepping back from the Australian show to focus on her family and health.
