Mel Schilling quits Married At First Sight
After 12 years on the show!
Last updated 11 hours ago
She's been a huge part of the show for over a decade, but now, relationship expert Mel Schilling has announced she's made the decision to quit her role on Married At First Sight Australia.
Revealing she will still appear on the popular UK version of the hit reality show, Mel shared a statement to her Instagram page to confirm the news.
Sharing a highlights reel from her time on MAFS Australia, Mel told her fans: '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.
'This hasn’t been a choice I’ve made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable. It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.
'What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey. I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years.
'I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together. 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'.
Past contestants from both the UK and Australian series of the show were quick to comment and show their love and gratitude towards Mel.
Jeff Gobbles wrote: 'Thanks for everything @mel_schilling1 you’re one of one. Good luck with everything in the future! 👏👏👏', with Domenica Calarco adding: 'Mel, I will never forget your kindness to me during some of my toughest moments in the experiment. You will be missed, the show won't be the same without you xxxx @mel_schilling1 ❤️❤️❤️❤️'.
Bob Vorsey from MAFS UK series six commented: 'You were one of the best things about my experience on @e4mafsuk you have contributed so much to the show and help create one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever done in my life which has contributed massively to the man I have become today. Thank you Mel and all the best for whatever the future holds for you 🙌❤️'. (sic)
Ella Morgan then wrote: 'Mel there are too many words to write how much you’ve changed my life for the better, as I’m sure everybody on the show will agree. I could go on for days (no one would want that lol!) I will never forget what you’ve taught me and the love, support, lessons and belief you have given me is something I am forever grateful for, and I speak for all the brides and grooms who have had the pleasure of being guided by you - when I say - thank you, you will be missed by all, beautiful inside and out and MAFS Australia is going to miss you, but I’m so glad we will still have you for MAFS uk, so much love my queen, hopefully see you soon 🤍'. (sic)
MAFS Australia expert John Aiken, who has worked with Mel for over 10 years, also paid a special tribute to his dear friend.
Sharing a photo of the pair on set, he wrote: 'After 10 years of working with this remarkable woman, my dear friend and colleague Mel has decided to step away from @mafs to focus on family and other exciting new opportunities. I first met Mel on Series 2 of Married At First Sight, and neither of us knew what we were ultimately in for. From storm outs, wine throwing and gaslighting, to heartbreak, drama and true love stories - we saw it all while sitting side by side on the experts couch.
'It’s been such a privilege to experience all this with such a beautiful human being and I’m sad I won’t be able to do this again with her. I have treasured being able to lean on Mel throughout this intense reality juggernaut journey, and to share so many laughs along the way with her. I simply could not have survived this without her.
'Mel - I have long admired your resilience, warmth, expertise, kindness and strength, and I have loved and cherished our close friendship both on and off set. You are one of the key reasons for the massive success of this show and you’ll be greatly missed by myself and all of the amazing MAFS family.
'I’m now looking forward to seeing you again to reminisce and unpack the last decade, and to find out about all your exciting new adventures.
'Best of luck my friend with your next chapter and keep shining - it’s been a wild ride and I’ve loved sharing all of it with you. xx #mafs #mafsau #mafsaustralia #farewell #newbeginings' (sic)
Australian-born Mel first joined Married At First Sight Australia during the second series back in 2016, before she joined the UK show in 2021, following a revamp of the format by E4. Over the last few years, Mel has been living between Australia and the UK in order to commit to filming for the series, spending a lot of time away from her family, who are based in the UK.
In December 2023, 54-year-old Mel announced she'd been diagnosed with colon cancer, going on to have keyhole surgery to remove the tumour. In January last year, she appeared on ITV/STV Daytime show Lorraine, where she revealed her cancer is now in remission.
Although Mel has announced she's leaving the show, fans will still get to see her on the upcoming 13th series, which is due to air here in the UK in the coming weeks, as well as the next series of MAFS UK, which will return later this year.
Now check out which former MAFS stars we'd love to see on All Stars:
Ella Morgan
Series 8 of MAFS UK in 2023
Ella Morgan made history in 2023 when she become the first transgender bride to appear on the show. Ella was originally matched with Nathanial Valentino and it had initially looked like a match made in heaven! The pair instantly had a sexual spark, but things took a sour turn on their honeymoon, when Nathanial accused Ella of attention seeking around others.
Later on in the series, Ella shared a kiss with another groom called JJ Slater, and the pair were later allowed to re-enter the experiment as a new couple. Although they made it to the final vows and left the experiment together, it didn't take long for them to split.
Since appearing on the show, Ella has been no stranger to reality TV, appearing on series 13 of Celebs Go Dating and a MAFS Come Dine With Me special. She even commented on E4's announcement of the new show, asking if they'd have her back!
Matt Jameson
Series 6 of MAFS UK in 2021
Lovely Matt Jameson was paired with Dan McKee during the sixth series of MAFS UK in 2021, with the pair being the first same-sex couple to be on the show. Viewers fell in love with Matt and Dan's relationship throughout the experiment, with the couple making it all the way to final vows. Despite moving in together once the show ended, just months later, Matt and Dan announced they'd split, revealing they were better off as friends.
Since appearing on the show, Matt has trained as a celebrant in the UK, and despite finding love again, he split from his partner in 2025. Could this be his next shot at love?
Emma Barnes
Series 9 of MAFS UK in 2024
Emma was a fan-favourite from MAFS UK in 2024, with many thinking she wasn't given a fair shot when she was paired with Caspar Todd by the experts. Emma and Caspar's relationship never really got out of first gear, with the pair struggling to find a romantic connection, despite Emma's best efforts. The pair split on the show and left the experiment, with Emma later confirming she was snubbed from the reunion show.
Despite this, she's expressed interest in appearing on TV in the future, so could she return to MAFS?
Thomas Kriaras
Series 8 of MAFS UK in 2023
Thomas Kriaras was matched with Rozz Darlington during the eighth series of MAFS, with the experts thinking they'd make a great couple. Although they were fan favourites, Rozz struggled to find a sexual attraction to Thomas, admitting their bubble had burst during Home Stays week. Despite splitting before the end of the series, Thomas and Rozz remained friends!
Since appearing on the show, Thomas has focused on self-improvement, sharing some transformational snaps of himself on Instagram. We'd love to see him return to MAFS!
Nelly Patel
Series 10 of MAFS UK in 2025
Dentist Nelly Patel was adored by viewers during last year's series of MAFS UK! Things got off to a great start for her when she was paired with Steven Springett, with the couple enjoying one of the most successful honeymoons in the show's history. However, it didn't take long for their relationship to go downhill, with Nelly and Steven enduring a lot of tension and arguments, before Steven was found to be active on dating site Hinge.
Nelly has remained single since her split from Steven, spending time with her close friends and co-stars Leah Tyrer and Rebecca Fenney, so we'd love to see her have another shot at finding the one!
Georges Berthonneau
Series 8 of MAFS UK in 2023
Who can forget Georges Berthonneau? The online fitness coach who was paired with Peggy Rose during series eight. Georges and Peggy had a very up and down journey on the show, especially due to Georges' controversial gaming methods... Despite this, the pair did make it through the experiment, vowing to make their romance work on the outside.
However, just months later, Georges and Peggy announced they'd split, with Georges actually going on to date Love Island queen Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu. Georges made a number of bombshell statements when Ekin-Su appeared on series two of All Stars in 2025, claiming they pair were still in a relationship. It looks like he's single now, so we'd love to see him back on the show.
Julia-Ruth Smith
Series 10 of MAFS UK in 2025
Professional dancer Julia-Ruth Smith wasn't one to shy away from drama during the 2025 series. After being matched with Divarni Balogun and making it clear she wasn't feeling the relationship on a sexual level, she quickly fell out with the rest of the cast, which resulted in huge arguments at dinner parties and commitment ceremonies.
During her time on the show, Julia-Ruth also had a connection with Steven Springett and Joe Wood, and she's previously stated she'd love to return to the show one day...
Lucinda Light
Series 11 of MAFS Australia in 2024
Wedding celebrant Lucinda Light was matched with Timothy Smith during the 11th series of MAFS Australia. Lucinda's loving and caring personality shone through, making her one of the most-loved contestants ever to grace the show. Although her romance with Tim didn't work out, they did leave the experiment as friends, and met up on a number of occasions.
Since the series aired, Lucinda has enjoyed success here in the UK, being a presenter on official companion podcast MAFS UK: It's Official, as well as co-hosting E4 reality show The Honesty Box alongside Vicky Pattison. Seemingly on side with E4 bosses, could we see Lucinda on the All Stars series?
Al Perkins
Series 9 of MAFS Australia in 2022
Does the word 'SHOEY' ring a bell? Al Perkins was just 25-years-old when he took part in series nine of MAFS Australia, where he was paired with Samantha Moitzi. The pair didn't work out and left the experiment, with Al going on to appear on Love Island: Australia.
In recent years, Al has prioritised his spirituality over fame and dating, sharing his journey on social media.
Jessika Power
Series 6 of MAFS Australia in 2019
To date, Jessika Power is one of the most controversial stars to ever appear on MAFS. Jessika was matched with Mick Gould by the experts, but during the experiment she became involved with co‑star Dan Webb, leading to one of the most-talked about love triangles in the show's history. Jessika and Dan went on to date, before a very public break-up during the reunion show.
Jessika has been no stranger to TV since, appearing on the likes of Ex On The Beach, Celebs Go Dating and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Could she return for MAFS All Stars?
Eliot Donovan
Series 12 of MAFS Australia in 2025
It didn't take long for Eliot Donovan to be embroiled in drama during the 12th series of MAFS Australia. After being matched with Lauren Hall by the experts, Eliot walked away from his marriage during the second day of their honeymoon, causing viewer backlash against him. In a shock to everyone, Eliot returned to the show later in the series, with a new match called Veronica Cloherty. This didn't work out either, with the pair splitting during the show!
After filming, Eliot was linked with co-star Jamie Marinos, but they've since revealed they are just good friends. We certainly need more Eliot on our screens, so let's hope bosses knock on his door for the new series.
Lauren Dunn
Series 11 of MAFS Australia in 2024
Remembered for her dry humour, Lauren Dunn was paired with Jono McCullough during the 11th series of MAFS Australia, but she had suspicions he was texting fellow bride Ellie Dix during the show. Although it was denied at the time, Ellie and Jono showed up to the reunion show hand-in-hand, with the pair still together to this day.
Lauren has expressed her interest in dating again on her social media, so what a better way to get back into the dating game?!
Mitch Eynaud
Series 9 of MAFS Australia in 2022
Alongside his wife Ella Ding, Mitch Eynaud was a very popular member of the series nine cast. Although the couple had ups and downs during the experiment, they made it all the way to the final vows, but Mitch left viewers in shock by ending the romance with Ella. Despite telling her he didn't feel ready to give Ella what she deserved, the pair did briefly reconcile, but split again after the reunion.
Mitch has previously spoken about how he regrets some of the decisions he made on the show, so could he return for a second chance?
Carina Mirabile
Series 12 of MAFS Australia in 2025
In a MAFS first, Carina Mirabile and her MAFS husband Paul Antoine had actually dated prior to the experiment, which actually resulted in Paul ghosting her. Despite this, the pair agreed to give their relationship a go and it had seemed like they were going to go all the way, but Carina chose to end their romance during the final vows...
Carina has gained a strong following since her appearance on her show, as well as launching her own podcast, so we'd love to see her back for a second stint.
Now read:
Married At First Sight Australia: Which couples are still together?
A MAFS All-Stars series has been confirmed by Channel 4
Which Married At First Sight couples are married for real?