'Life is so unfair': MAFS Australia pays an emotional tribute to Mel Schilling as devastated fans realise they will never see her on the show again
Mel tragically died while this series was on airMAFS Australia has paid an emotional tribute to Mel Schilling as this year’s series comes to an end – and fans are devastated.
The last episode finished with a poignant segment dedicated to Mel following her death in March.
Mel was being treated for stage 4 cancer while filming series 13 of MAFS Australia, yet fans wouldn’t have had a clue.
The relationship expert oozed glamour each week at the commitment ceremonies and her advice was as on-point as it’s ever been.
This was especially the case when putting Tyson in his place and while taking ‘mean girls’ Bec, Brook and Gia to task.
But now the series has ended, fans have suddenly realised they will never seen Mel in MAFS Australia again. And it’s hit hard.
MAFS Australia ends with final tribute to Mel Schilling
This year’s series of MAFS Australia was filmed in the second half of 2025.
Mel had been diagnosed with colon cancer in December 2023 and, following an operation to remove a golf ball-sized tumour, was back at work within three weeks.
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Tragically, it was later confirmed the cancer had spread to her lungs. In total, Mel underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy in two years. Yet she kept showing up and filming MAFS Australia and MAFS UK.
Series 13 was filmed in the second half of 2025, with the last two reunion episodes (reunion dinner party and reunion commitment ceremony) taking place in November.
The show went on air Down Under in January 2026, with the UK’s launch following in mid-February. On March 12, with MAFS Australia in full swing on both sides of the globe, Mel confirmed the cancer had spread to her brain and that doctors could do no more.
“My light is starting to fade – and quickly,” Mel told fans in a statement. “I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath.”
Mel died 12 days later, on March 24, 2026. She as 54 years old.
Mel’s final words on MAFS Australia
Tonight’s episode ended with a shot of Mel, grabbing the MAFS Australia brides for a hug. A picture of the star wearing a pretty spotty dress flashed up on the screen.
The series played out with shots of the empty warehouse where the show is filmed.
Mel could be heard saying: “Hello, welcome. Can I just jump in here and share something that may help.
“Yes, this experiment is about finding love but there’s also another very important stream that runs through this experiment. It is about personal development, it is about finding your worth, it is about learning to find your voice and to start really believe that you deserve love.”
The shot then cut to Mel talking to a former MAFS Australia bride. She told her: “I feel like I’m looking in a mirror, because I’m exactly the same. I spent my entire 30s focused on my career and I met my partner at 39. And I had my baby at 42.”
Another clip shows John Aiken asking Mel what her partner, Gareth Brisbane, would say about her. Mel is then pictured hugging Gareth and her daughter Maddie.
“He might say, ‘I feel deeply connected to you’,” Mel tells John. “He says, ‘You’re my soulmate’, he says he can stop looking because he’s found me’.”
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The tribute ended with a montage of Mel from her 12 series with MAFS Australia. The empty commitment ceremony room flashed up before Mel was shown laughing and smiling.
The show ended with Mel’s voice saying these final words: “Well, thank you so much for your time in this experiment. For your courage, your authenticity.
“We salute you and wish you all the best and all the happiness in the world.” The screen then faded to black.
Fans’ tears for Mel Schilling
Fans both in the UK and Australia were left in tears at MAFS Australia’s “beautiful” tribute to Mel.
One wrote online: “That ending left me in tears. Seeing Mel’s husband and her daughter and thinking of the pain they must be going through. Heartbreaking.”
Another added: “I’m so sad, this was the last time we will see Mel. I am devastated.”
A third said: “The tribute to Mel at the end was beautiful. Fly high angel. This experiment will never be the same going forward.”
Someone else simply wrote: “Rest easy queen.” And another added: “Why do people have to die? Life is so unfair.”
And that it is. Mel will be so missed.
