Mel Schilling has revealed why she has quit Married At First Sight after more than a decade as a dating expert on the Australian version of the hit reality TV series
Mel Schilling has quit her role on MAFS Australia (Image: Getty Images)
Mel Schilling has quit Married At First Sight after 12 years. The TV star, 53, has appeared on the Australian reality show, which sees singletons who have never met paired up and married off as part of a major experiment, ever since the second season, but has now called time on her lengthy stint.
The dating expert, who has also relocated to London along with her husband Gareth Brisbane and their daughter Maddie in 2021 so she could appear on the UK version of MAFS, took to social media to post an emotional statement, where she admitted that she could no longer sustain the travelling needed to work on both.
She wrote on Instagram: “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.
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Mel has appeared on Married At First Sight Australia for more than a decade (Image: Youtube grab)
“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. It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.
“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. I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together.”
However, Mel, who currently appears alongside Paul C. Brunson and Charlene Douglas on the British edition of the reality show, reassured fans of the E4 hit that she will continue to work on that version.
She added: “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.” Upon making the emotional announcement, Mel received messages of support from those she had appeared alongside over the years.
The star has reassured fans that she will continue to appear on the UK version of the reality show (Image: Channel 4)
Fellow expert John Aiken said: “Such a privilege to sit beside you Mel for a decade onwards my friend to new beginnings. Big love,” whilst MAFS Australia star Lauren Dunn, who appeared on the 2024 edition of the show, said: “Thank you so much Mel, I adore you!”
Domenica Calarco, who appeared on season nine of Married At First Sight, said: “Mel, I will never forget your kindness to me during some of my toughest moments in the experiment. You will be missed, the show won’t be the same without you”. Mel was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, and shared that she had an operation to remove a tumour over the Christmas period.
The key-hole procedure was successful, and the star went on to have further treatment before receiving her recent good news. Mel shared that her family and the MAFS crew were incredibly supportive during the toughest moments, offering “wonderful” help as she underwent treatment amid the filming of the current series.
At the time, she exclusively opened up to the Mirror about the moment she received the news that she was in remission. She said: “I was spending some time in Australia and went to see a local oncologist, who had my scans. He was so positive and told me the cancer was in remission, which was a surprise.
“My sister was there with me and we both just couldn’t believe it. We went back home and popped open a bottle of champagne, while dancing around our apartment.”
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