Mel Schilling, the matchmaker famous for appearances on Married at First Sight, has died at the age of 54.
In a statement shared to her Instagram page, her family confirmed the sad news following her battle with cancer.
"Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love," the statement began.
It continued: "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.
"This is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both."
The statement, penned by her husband Gareth, went on: "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.
Mel Schilling at the BAFTA TV Awards last year
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"On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.
"I also want to thank our wonderful MAFS family — John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie — for your kindness and compassion."
Her husband went on to thank the team at Channel 4 for their support, as well as Ms Schilling's management team.
Gareth then signed off with some poignant words: "Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Mel Schilling shot to fame on MAFS
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"But ultimately, life is fleeting, fragile, and tomorrow is promised to no one. If you can do anything to honour Mel, please live life to the full, love your people well, and try not to sweat the small stuff.
"I had 15 wonderful years with my soulmate, and it was the privilege of my life to be by her side. For that, I will be forever thankful.
"Goodbye, my love. My one. Until we meet again," he concluded.
Ms Schilling's death comes just weeks after she shared the devastating news that her cancer had become terminal.
Mel Schilling discovered her cancer was terminal over the Christmas period
|PA
The Australian matchmaker was first diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and was initially given the all-clear when the tumour was removed.
However, the disease returned and spread to her lungs and brain. prompting her to admit recently that she she didn’t know “how long she had left”.
Fans, friends, colleagues, and famous faces all rushed to share their condolences following the tragic news.
In response to Ms Schilling's husband's statement, Love Island star Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu penned: "Absolutely heart broken… sending so much love to you and your family.. always remembered as beautiful strong, inside and out. RIP." (sic)
Meanwhile, former Strictly star Vicky Pattison echoed: "Absolutely heartbreaking. A beautiful woman inside and out... my thoughts are with your family and friends."
Podcaster Harriet Rose similarly typed: "What a lovely woman Mel was. I am so so sorry for your loss."
Countdown's Rachel Riley also shared: "I only got to work with Mel twice, I was already a big fan. She was warm and open and funny and smart. May her memory be a blessing to all her loved ones, her presence will be missed by so many of us."
And presenter Lisa Snowdon weighed in: "RIP beautiful Mel... Sending love and strength to you all," alongside praying and heartbroken emojis. (sic)