Mel Schilling shares heartbreaking health update as cancer spreads to brain

"My light is starting to fade."

Mel told her followers that her cancer has spread to her brain and that she doesn't know how long she has left to live.

The 54-year-old relationship therapist first revealed her colon cancer diagnosis back in December 2023.

She said “a tumour the size of a lemon was discovered during a scan,” though it was successfully removed and Mel was later given the all clear.

However, yesterday the dating coach shared a devastating update with her followers, revealing that her cancer has returned and is now terminal, adding that her 'light is starting to fade'.

Alongside a photo with her husband Gareth, and her ten-year-old daughter Maddie, Mel wrote: "Unfortunately, in late February 2024, during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs.

"The cancer had metastasised, and my world changed again in an instant.

"Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing."

Mel went on to recall that over Christmas, she began experiencing 'blinding headaches and numbness' down her right side.

"After many tests, I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do," she wrote.

The dating coach continued: "Hearing those words changes everything.

"So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade - and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.

"Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult, and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me.

"I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people."

She added, "At the outset of this journey, so many of you sent the most wonderful messages of support. They have meant more than I can ever properly express and have helped shape the mindset I’ve needed to keep fighting. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart.

"If I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn’t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life."

She ended the message by referencing her husband and daughter, writing: “These two beside me are my everything. With love and gratitude, Mel.”

Mel first appeared on the Australian version of MAFS before later joining the UK series. However, last month she announced she would be stepping away from the Australian show to prioritise her health and family.

Channel 4 has since announced that expert John Aiken will be replacing Mel for the remainder of the latest UK series, which is currently being filmed.

The channel said in a statement on Thursday: "Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague.

"Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through, and these qualities mean that everyone involved in MAFS, from the producers and contributors, to the viewers, love and respect her as much as we do."