Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling has died at the age of 54, her husband has confirmed. Her death comes just two weeks after she revealed her cancer had spread to her brain. Schilling - who has been a part of the Channel 4 reality show since 2016 - was diagnosed with colon cancer back in December 2023. Alongside a montage of snaps of the presenter throughout their relationship, her husband, Gareth Brisbaine, shared a heartbreaking statement online.

It read: "Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today (March 24), 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. 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." The grieving widow went on to thank his supportive family and friends who are helping him and his family through this difficult time.

He went on: "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. To Lee, Louie, Susy, and Channel 4/CPL, who went above and beyond for ys, we will never forget it. To Sarah at InterTalent, not just an agent, but a true confidante.

"And to the wonderful Elizabeth Day - Mel's podcasting partner and dear friend - thank you for your friendship and empathy. Life can be beautiful, and life can be incredibly cruel. 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." In a separate statement, Channel 4 paid tribute to "her fierce advocacy for other women, her passion for healthy relationships and her mission to unite people in love."

Genevieve Edwards, Chief Executive of Bowel Cancer UK, added: "We are deeply saddened to hear of Mel Schilling's death and send our heartfelt condolences to her family and loved ones. Mel's courage in speaking so openly about bowel cancer, from her diagnosis through to treatment and everything in between, has already made a profound difference.

"By sharing her story, she has helped raise vital awareness and encouraged countless people to listen to their bodies and contact their GP when something doesn't feel right. That message has the power to save lives. Every 12 minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK's fourth most common cancer.