Tributes have poured in from across Australia and the globe following the devastating news of the passing of Mel Schilling, a beloved figure from Married At First Sight. The dating coach, known for her insightful advice and compassionate guidance on the hit reality show, died peacefully on Tuesday, March 24th. Her husband, Gareth Brisbane, confirmed the heartbreaking news.
Mel Schilling was a familiar face not only to Australian audiences but also to viewers of MAFS UK, where she served as an expert alongside her co-stars. The outpouring of grief from her colleagues and former contestants highlights the profound impact she had on so many lives.
A Legacy of Strength and Love
Her UK co-star, Paul C Brunson, shared a deeply moving tribute, describing Mel as “tough” and a “straight talker.” He noted that while she possessed immense strength, her demeanor softened considerably when speaking of her daughter, Maddie, and her husband, Gareth. “Her voice changed. Her energy shifted. There was always gentleness and tenderness. A deep, deep love. That’s something I’ll never forget,” he wrote. Brunson praised Mel for embodying her values, for choosing people, and for showing up with strength even in difficult times. He concluded by saying, “She was present. She was powerful. She was full of heart. She will be deeply loved. And profoundly missed.”
Charlene Douglas, another expert from the UK panel, expressed her devastation and heartbreak. She stated on Instagram that she would forever “treasure the laughter” they shared. “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,” Douglas shared. She fondly recalled Mel’s “love for life, jokes and of course dancing” and expressed a longing to be dancing to Beyoncé with her once more. “Sleep in perfect peace Mel. Love you,” she added.
Contestants Share Heartfelt Memories
The love and respect for Mel extended far beyond the expert panel, with a multitude of MAFS contestants sharing their personal tributes. Many thanked her for her unwavering support and kindness during their time on the Channel Nine show.
Lucinda Light, a contestant from the 2024 series, posted a series of poignant photographs of herself and Mel. “Beautiful @mel_schilling1 passed away peacefully today surrounded by so much love. It’s hard to put into words how sad this is,” she wrote. Light sent her love to Mel’s family, particularly Gareth and Maddie, and to all those close to her, concluding with, “RIP divine lady~ you’ll be incredibly missed on planet earth.”
Lucinda’s on-screen husband, Tim Smith, shared a tearful video tribute on Instagram, expressing his deep sadness. “Words can’t describe how deeply sad I feel at the passing of Mel,” he captioned. He described her as an “incredible person—funny, kind, and genuinely one of the sweetest souls I’ve met.” Smith cherishes the memories from their time together and extended his heartfelt condolences to Gareth, Maddie, and Mel’s friends and family. “I just hope she’s now at peace… watching over Maddie from above. Rest in peace, Mel,” he concluded.
Andrea Thompson, another former contestant, thanked Mel for her “warmth,” “compassion,” and “kindness.” She shared, “I loved this woman. She showed me so much warmth compassion and kindness and I am grateful to have spent some time with her. Just why…. Goodbye beautiful soul, you shone the most beautiful light.”
Lauren Dunn echoed these sentiments, stating she was “absolutely heartbroken.” She credited Mel with making her time on MAFS amazing, noting that Mel “supported and loved us all.” Dunn’s heart goes out to Mel’s family and friends.
Bryce Ruthven, who found lasting love with Melissa Rawson on the show in 2021, attributed their success to Mel. “If it wasn’t for Mel Schilling, Liss and I never would have had and wouldn’t have our own family,” he wrote. He recalled a touching personal gesture: Mel was the only member of the production team who called to congratulate them on their engagement and pregnancy. “That phone call will never be forgotten,” he stated.
Olivia Frazer, a bride from the 2022 season, offered her thoughts and prayers to Mel’s friends and family, especially her husband and daughter, whom Mel was immensely proud to be a wife and mother to.
Inspiring Connections and Lasting Impressions
Fan favourite Cameron Merchant, who met his wife Jules Robinson on MAFS in 2018, shared a photo of Mel with his family, thanking her for her “friendship.” He described the news as “truly devastating” and called Mel a “beautiful soul” who was “so inspiring.”
Evelyn Ellis credited Mel with helping to keep the MAFS cast “calm” during tense moments at Commitment Ceremonies. “Life is too short. Rest peacefully Mel, you have touched so many people with your light and kindness,” Ellis wrote. She remembered feeling Mel’s calming presence through her eyes during difficult discussions.
Her on-screen partner, Duncan James, paid tribute to Mel as a “strong woman, who so many ppl looked up to.” He added, “One of the greats, you’ll truly be missed.”
Jack Millar, who was matched with Domenica Calarco in 2022, thanked Mel for “being so kind, thoughtful and genuinely caring” during his experience on the show.
Lyndall Grace described Mel as “always kind, and strong, and fair.” She believed Mel’s influence extended beyond those she met directly, impacting anyone who saw her on screen.
Jamie Marinos, a bride from the upcoming 2025 season, called Mel a “beautiful soul” and expressed her heartbreak. “I feel so grateful to have been in your presence. Even though my heart is broken knowing you’re gone. I’ll always be so grateful I got to know you,” she shared, sending love to Mel’s friends and family.
Katie Johnston, a co-star of Marinos, sent her love and thanked Mel for her “hugs and reassurance.” Luke Fourniotis, from the 2026 series, simply stated, “Mel, you were such a lovely person. This news is so hard for all of us. May you rest in peace.”
