Married at First Sight coach and reality TV star Mel Schilling has revealed that her cancer has spread to her brain, leaving her uncertain about how much time she has left.
Schilling, 54, was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023. She later discovered the cancer had spread to her lungs and now affects the left side of her brain.
“Despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do,” Schilling wrote in an Instagram post on Thursday. “My light is starting to fade – and quickly.”
Since her original diagnosis, Schilling has undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy while continuing to film the reality show. She had also been eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial tailored to her gene type, which was due to begin this month. However, she started experiencing blinding headaches and numbness on her right side last Christmas.
“Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult,” she wrote. “I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath.” Schilling encouraged her followers to get checked if something doesn’t feel right.
Her Instagram post included a touching photo of herself with her husband and daughter, paying tribute to her family during this challenging time.
Schilling joined Mafs in Australia and later appeared on the UK version of the show aired on E4. Last month, she announced she would step back from the Australian show to focus on her family and health.
Channel 4 released a statement praising Schilling’s contributions:
“Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family. Her wisdom, warmth, humour, and kindness shine through, and everyone involved in MAFS, from producers to viewers, loves and respects her.”
John Aiken will replace Schilling for the remainder of the UK series currently in production. The show’s production company, CPL, expressed their support:
“Mel is greatly loved and respected by everyone at CPL, and our thoughts are with her and her family during this profoundly difficult time.”
