The husband of late Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling has revealed he and their daughter are emigrating after his wife’s tragic death from colon cancer.
Schilling, who died on March 24, married Gareth Brisbane in 2018 and they share daughter Maddie, 11.
Brisbane told fans he and Maddie are relocating to Bali, Indonesia, as he opened up on touching details of the relationship expert’s funeral, including an emotional speech delivered by the 11-year-old.
“Maddie announced on the morning of the funeral that she had written a little speech which she delivered beautifully,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Every inch her mother’s daughter and I couldn’t be prouder,” the post continued.
“Last weekend we scattered some of Mels ashes at the lighthouse in my hometown of Whitehead, Northern Ireland as was her wish.
“It’s a special place that really resonated with her, a place where strangers say hello as you pass, and a place we can now come back to to reflect on our incredible 15 years together.
“In a few short weeks Maddie and I will be welcomed back into the arms of mother Bali where we will begin our next chapter.
“No better place to heal, a place that we all loved and where we still have some of our dearest friends who had the most wonderful blessing ceremony for Mel at our new villa last weekend.”
Schilling’s close friend and fellow Married At First Sight expert John Aiken left a touching message of support on the post.
“I love this G! What a beautiful place. Can’t wait to have a whiskey with you before you depart to Bali. Sending all my love,” he wrote.
Married At First Sight intimacy expert Alessandra Rampolla said: “Heading to Bali is the most Mel thing possible. Sending you both so much love as you step into this beautiful next chapter”.
Schilling’s husband announced the star’s death last month just weeks after the dating coach confirmed doctors could no longer treat her cancer.
She had appeared on the Channel Nine dating show for 12 seasons, starting in 2016.
Mel was diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and underwent two years of chemotherapy while filming MAFS in Australia and the United Kingdom.
In February, the relationship expert announced that she was leaving the Australian franchise to prioritise her family and health, but stated she planned to continue filming the UK series.
Less than two weeks ago, Mel revealed her cancer had metastasised to her lungs and spread to her brain, and doctors said there was nothing more they could do.
In a statement announcing her death, Mel’s husband Gareth said she died at her home in London “surrounded by love”.