Married At First Sight has reportedly found a new relationships guru to join the show following the death of beloved expert Mel Schilling.
Just five months after Schilling tragically passed away from cancer, the Daily Mail reports that the dating series has cast a new love and relationships coach to sit alongside longtime expert John Aiken and sexologist Alessandra Rampolla on the panel.
According to the outlet, well-known personality Brigitte Zonta, aka Dr Lurve, has signed on for the show’s 14th season, which is currently filming in Sydney and will premiere on Nine in early 2027.
“No one can replace Mel, and that is not what they are asking Dr Lurve to do,” a source told the outlet of the newcomer.
“She has her own voice, her own energy and her own way of connecting with people.”
News.com.au has reached out to Nine for futher comment.
One online bio for Zonta describes her as “Australia’s leading love & relationship coach” who has a passion for helping people navigate the ups and downs in relationships.
It goes on to say that the South Australia-based expert works as a “modern-day cupid for those discovering self-love, singles ready to find love, and couples ready to make love last forever”.
The Daily Mail reports that these credentials coupled with Zonta’s warmth and humour is what led producers to call upon her services for the show.
“She can be warm and entertaining, but she can also cut through the excuses when somebody is not being honest,” the source said, adding that Zonta’s addition will make her “very interesting at the dinner parties and commitment ceremonies”.
When Schilling announced her shock departure from the show in late February due to illness, there was speculation that former MAFS bride Lucinda Light – who became a fan favourite in the 2024 season – would be her replacement.
But Light was quick to squash that rumour, saying she is in no position to be imparting relationship advise.
“Let’s be honest, I’m very single, and I’m currently in London filming Celebs Go Dating,” she revealed to Pedestrian TV at the time. “[I’m] very much in student mode. I’m learning, unlearning, stretching, laughing at myself and soaking up wisdom.”
“It’s been a real heart-tug hearing that Mel is stepping away. What a force. What a woman. She leaves very big shoes to fill,” she added.
“I’m sending Mel big love for her next chapter, and I have no doubt the brilliant execs and casting team at Channel 9 have someone fabulous waiting in the wings for this mighty, meaningful role.”
Weeks after Schilling announced she was leaving MAFS, the beloved star lost her battle to colon cancer. She was 54.
“This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 – and nailed both,” her heartbroken husband, Gareth Brisbane, wrote in part as he announced the sad news on Instagram.
“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,” he added.
“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.”