Mel Schilling’s ‘heartbroken’ MAFS co-star John Aiken says ‘I’m struggling to breathe’ as he breaks silence on her death
MEL Schilling’s “heartbroken” MAFS co-star John Aiken has admitted he is “struggling to breathe”, as he broke his silence on her death.
The Australian relationship expert, 55, revealed his immense grief after Mel tragically died aged 54 following a brave battle with colon cancer.
The much-loved dating coach was known for her work on both the Married At First Sight Australia and UK versions of the show.
Today her MAFS Aus co-star John shared a picture of him with his pal from 2016 and one from the recent series, and penned an emotional message which read: “It’s with great sadness and heavy heart that today I lost my dear friend and fellow MAFS expert Mel Schilling.
“I am heartbroken, devastated and finding it hard to breathe.
“It was a privilege and an honour to sit beside her on the MAFS couch and watch her shine. She was warm, supportive and honest, and she deeply cared about all our participants. I had a front row seat to her remarkable skills and she truly believed in the experiment. At her core she loved love.”
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John also talked about their relationship off screen, and the “fun” they would have when the cameras weren’t rolling.
“And when her illness struck she never complained. She kept her challenges to herself and continued to deliver time and time again. She was an inspiration, a fighter, a leader,” the grief stricken star said.
“It’s not fair that my partner in crime is gone. She was one of the good ones. I am unravelling just thinking about it. I wanted to sit on our couch together forever. She knew my rhythms and I knew hers. But it’s simply not to be.
John admitted he was “distraught” that he had to accept she was now gone, and ended the heartfelt message with: “I love you and I miss you gorgeous.. xx”.
Mel and John were incredibly close having worked on MAFS Australia together for ten years, including the latest series which is airing right now on E4.
Mel’s MAFS UK co-star Charlene Douglas also paid an emotional tribute, where she reflected on their close bond.
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.”
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.”