MAFS Stars Filip and Stella Share Heartfelt Tributes to Late Expert Mel Schilling
Married At First Sight (MAFS) participants Filip Gregov and Stella Mickunaite have opened up about the profound impact the late relationship expert Mel Schilling had on their journey, both within the highly publicised experiment and in their personal lives. The couple expressed their deep sorrow following the news of Mel’s passing in London at the age of 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.
The emotional tribute comes as Filip and Stella reflect on the challenges they faced during their time on the show, and how Mel’s guidance proved instrumental in navigating these difficult periods. Despite being considered one of the strongest couples for a significant portion of the season, their relationship encountered considerable strain.
Navigating On-Screen Pressures
A key point of contention for Filip and Stella involved the prospect of relocation. Stella expressed a strong desire for Filip to move from Melbourne to Sydney, a decision that created significant friction between them. This geographical disagreement was compounded by deeply personal discussions surrounding intimacy and contraception, leading to intense emotions, particularly during crucial commitment ceremonies.
Filip revealed that it was Mel’s expert advice during their sessions on the couch that provided them with the tools to manage these pressures. “Mel Schilling was instrumental in helping Stella through it and told her, ‘Hey, focus on the emotional maturity you have with Filip that you’ve never had in the past,'” Filip shared. “We really listened on that couch session and we were better for it because we had to have a chat about all that stuff. Other couples have been arguing about high school drama – we were worried about real-world stuff.”
The Cycle of Emotional Withdrawal
Beyond the external pressures of the experiment, Filip also candidly discussed the internal struggles that affected their connection. He admitted that the unspoken pressure to say “I love you” inadvertently created a cycle of emotional withdrawal. “She withdrew because she has abandonment issues and then when she started withdrawing, I started withdrawing. It was just this perfect storm,” he explained. Filip confessed that he hadn’t expressed his love to someone in six years and needed time to process his own feelings and the situation.
Mel’s Private Battle
While Filip and Stella’s relationship dynamics played out on screen months prior, Mel was privately facing her own health crisis. Diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, she underwent chemotherapy while simultaneously filming the UK version of MAFS. Tragically, the disease later spread to her lungs and then her brain.
In a poignant social media post earlier this year, Mel shared the heartbreaking news with her followers, stating that there was “nothing further they can do.” Her husband, Gareth, announced her passing on Tuesday, just days after revealing the advanced stage of her illness. In a heartfelt statement, Gareth spoke of Mel’s profound love for him and their daughter, Madison.
A Legacy of Expertise
Mel Schilling was a towering figure in the Australian MAFS franchise, serving as a key expert for 12 seasons. She also graced the screens of five series of the UK version. Earlier in the year, Mel had announced her decision to step back from filming commitments, prioritising her family and her health during this incredibly difficult time. Her dedication to helping couples navigate the complexities of relationships, even while battling her own illness, leaves a lasting legacy.
