MAFS star Charlene Douglas has revealed the heartbreaking “final days” she spent with her late friend Mel Schilling following her tragic death.
The relationship expert said she was left “devastated” as she opened up about their last moments together.
Mel Schilling has tragically died aged 54 after a brave battle with colon cancer.
The much-loved dating coach was known for her invaluable work on both the Married At First Sight Australia and UK versions of the show.
She worked alongside Charlene Douglas on Married At First Sight UK.
The TV star shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on their close bond and the impact Mel had on her life.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “I’m both devastated and heartbroken to hear of the passing of my MAFS queen and friend Mel.
“I had the pleasure of spending time with Mel in her last days and will forever treasure the laughter, the memories and love we had for each other.
“Mel’s love for life, jokes and of course dancing will forever stay in my heart. What I wouldn’t give to be dancing to Beyoncé with you right now.
“Sleep in perfect peace Mel. Love you ♥️”
Mel was previously diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, which later spread to her lungs and brain.
Her husband Gareth Brisbane announced the heartbreaking news today in an emotional Instagram post.
Alongside touching pictures of Mel, he said: “Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love.
“In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life.
“It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me.”
He continued: “This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.
“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.
“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.”
Tributes have poured in for the TV star since the tragic announcement.
Channel 4 hailed Mel as a friend who “radiated joy, warmth and optimism”.
Issuing a statement, it said: “Our thoughts and condolences are, first and foremost, with her family and loved ones.
“We’re privileged to be the channel that is home to Mel’s work, which was at the heart of Married At First Sight‘s phenomenal success, both in the UK and Australia.
“It reflected so much about her – her fierce advocacy for other women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love.
“For many who work for Channel 4, Mel was not just a colleague but a friend, someone who radiated joy, warmth and optimism, who energized every room she walked into, with humour and positivity.
“Everyone who knew her will miss all this about her and much more. We share in the sorrow that we’re sure many viewers will now feel at this terrible loss.”