Mel Schilling’s New Chapter: Stepping Away from MAFS Australia to Prioritise Family and Health
After an impactful 12 seasons, beloved relationship expert Mel Schilling is bidding farewell to Married At First Sight Australia. This significant career shift marks a new chapter for Mel and her family, as she prioritises their well-being and her personal health. While she’s stepping away from the Australian iteration of the popular reality show, Mel will continue her role on Married At First Sight UK, maintaining her connection to the program that has brought her so much success.
Mel, who resides in London with her husband Gareth Brisbane and their 10-year-old daughter Maddie, explained her decision in a heartfelt statement. “It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life,” she stated, confirming her departure from the Down Under version of the show. This move signifies a deeper commitment to her family life and a desire to be more present in the UK, focusing on raising her daughter.
Mel Schilling’s Family Life: A Look at Her Husband and Daughter
Mel Schilling’s personal life is a cornerstone of her journey, and understanding her family provides context for her recent career decisions. She first met her husband, Gareth Brisbane, through an online dating platform back in 2010. Their relationship blossomed over eight years before they decided to tie the knot.
The couple exchanged vows in a romantic ceremony held in Bali in 2018. Mel has spoken openly about the profound emotional significance of their wedding day. She revealed to WHO Magazine that she shed tears, attributing it to the deep meaning of finally saying “I do.” Mel acknowledged being a “late bloomer,” noting she met Gareth close to 40 and welcomed their daughter, Maddie, just before her 42nd birthday. This timing made their union and the subsequent arrival of their child particularly special and emotional.
The Joy of Motherhood: Mel Schilling’s Daughter Maddie
Mel Schilling is a devoted mother to her daughter, Maddie, born on November 3, 2015. Now 10 years old, Maddie is a frequent and cherished subject of Mel’s social media posts. Mel welcomed Maddie at the age of 42, a journey that was not without its challenges.
She previously shared that she experienced a miscarriage at 40, a deeply impactful event that solidified her desire for motherhood. “I got pregnant when I was 40 and had a miscarriage and that really changed things. That was a real eye-opener and just made me realise how much I wanted a child. Both of us did,” Mel confided in an interview with OK! magazine. Following this heartbreaking experience, Mel and Gareth pursued IVF, a process that ultimately proved successful, leading to the birth of their daughter.
Mel expressed the immense value she places on Maddie, especially given the effort involved in bringing her into the world. “I feel like I worked really hard to bring her into this world and now that we have her, and we’re only having one, she’s just so incredibly important to us,” she told Woman’s Day in 2022. Mel also observes a striking similarity between herself and Maddie, noting that both are “very much performers.” Maddie, in particular, is described as a natural in front of the camera and has even begun exploring her directorial side, often orchestrating imaginative plays.
Navigating Cancer: The Unwavering Support of Family
Mel Schilling’s strength and resilience were profoundly tested in 2023 when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. Throughout her battle, her family served as an indispensable pillar of support. Mel has been commendably open about her journey, aiming to raise awareness and dismantle the stigma surrounding the disease.
She revealed to 9Entertainment that she managed to film MAFS UK for the first six months of 2024 while undergoing chemotherapy, later returning to Australia to film the dating show there. In late July 2024, Mel shared the joyous news of her impending final round of chemotherapy with a touching photo of herself and Gareth, captioned: “Date lunch with the big guy to celebrate my impending FINAL round of chemo.” She described the day as “Lovely day on the river, beautiful food, a sip of wine & optimism all around.”
During this challenging period, Mel relied heavily on her husband, whom she described as her “rock.” She also noted that Maddie, though young, understood and supported her mother “in her own way.” Gareth’s support was particularly significant as he had also navigated personal grief that year. “He’s gone through his own tough year as he’s had grief in his life, but has still been there for me,” Mel shared about Gareth. She also shed light on their “non-traditional relationship,” where she is the primary breadwinner and Gareth manages the majority of the parenting responsibilities at home, a dynamic that works exceptionally well for them. By January 2025, Mel was able to share the incredible news that she was in remission.
The Farewell to MAFS Australia
Mel Schilling’s decision to depart from Married At First Sight Australia was formally announced on Tuesday, February 17th, confirming that the 2026 season would be her last. “After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married at First Sight Australia,” she stated.
She elaborated on the difficulty of this choice, explaining that recent health challenges and the demanding schedule of spending up to three months a year away from her family in the UK had become unsustainable. “It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life,” she reiterated.
Mel expressed profound gratitude for her time on the show, acknowledging its evolution from a “small social experiment” to a “global phenomenon.” She conveyed her deep appreciation for the fans, the production team, and her fellow experts for their trust and passion throughout her tenure.
“I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together,” Mel affirmed. “Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me.”
As Mel Schilling embarks on this new chapter in London, her focus remains firmly on her family and her continued work on Married at First Sight UK.
