{"id":484944,"date":"2026-02-17T03:48:09","date_gmt":"2026-02-17T03:48:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/484944\/"},"modified":"2026-02-17T03:48:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T03:48:09","slug":"mafs-expert-mel-schilling-leaving-after-12-seasons-as-channel-9-show-no-longer-sustainable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/484944\/","title":{"rendered":"MAFS expert Mel Schilling leaving after 12 seasons as Channel 9 show ‘no longer sustainable’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Married at First Sight<\/a> expert Mel Schilling will be leaving the Channel 9 reality program<\/a> after 12 seasons. The UK-based MAFS veteran cited “health challenges”, with the demands of the role “no longer sustainable” while she lives in the UK.<\/p>\n

She has been an expert on MAFS<\/a> since season two and has helped couples navigate their issues throughout after being thrown together at the altar<\/a>. Mel currently lives in London with her husband Gareth and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie.<\/p>\n

In December 2023, Mel revealed she had been diagnosed with colon cancer, undergoing surgery to remove a tumour which she nicknamed ‘Terry’.<\/p>\n

\u201cAfter 12 extraordinary seasons<\/a>, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role,” Mel said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis hasn\u2019t been a choice I\u2019ve made lightly.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/p>\n

“In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable.<\/p>\n

“It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.<\/p>\n

Do you have a story to share? Contact au.lifestyle.ent@yahooinc.com<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cWhat began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey.<\/p>\n

Adrian Swift, Channel 9’s Head Of Content, Production and Development, said the network “understands the pull of her home in the UK and wish her continued success on MAFS UK”.<\/p>\n

Mel said she was “not leaving with sadness”, but a “deep sense of gratitude”.<\/p>\n

“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. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me,” she added.<\/p>\n

Mel announced in 2025 that she had gone into remission.<\/p>\n

\"Mel<\/p>\n

Mel announced her cancer diagnosis just before Christmas 2023. Photo: Instagram.com\/melschilling<\/p>\n

She had previously opened up about the toll treatment had taken on her.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m going through chemo, I\u2019m on my third cycle now and I\u2019m just starting to feel a bit sick,” Mel told Magic FM.<\/p>\n

“I was saying earlier it sort of feels like being hungover, like I\u2019ve been drinking all night.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mel said she’s had to make some adaptations to her busy schedule, which included being an expert on both MAFS Australia and MAFS UK, as well as a public speaker and an ambassador.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis thing is not beating me. I\u2019m here to fight, I just need to make some adaptions,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\u201cTime is [important]. Building space in my schedule because\u2026 I love my work and just kind of doing my passions, so for me it\u2019s very tempting just to say yes to everything.”<\/p>\n

We are yet to hear any details on who will replace Mel on the MAFS couch.<\/p>\n

While fans were devastated that she’ll no longer be one of the experts on the annual show, they backed her for looking after herself.<\/p>\n

“You\u2019ll be missed but you always have to do what\u2019s best for you,” one said.<\/p>\n

“Your health is always number one priority. You have left a wonderful legacy in Australia,” added another.<\/p>\n

“The grace, kindness and pizzazz that you brought to our screens is a gift to us all. Always cheering you on,” wrote a third.<\/p>\n

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