Mel Schilling’s husband, Gareth Brisbane, has shared a heartfelt message following her funeral. The 54-year-old star of the reality show Married At First Sight passed away in late March, just weeks after doctors confirmed that her cancer could no longer be treated.
Schilling, a relationship coach on the dating show, was first diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2023. Initially given the all-clear, she later discovered nodules on her lungs during a routine check-up. She underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy over the next two years, but by March 2026, her cancer had become terminal, having spread to her lungs and the left side of her brain.
Her family described her passing as peaceful and surrounded by love. Now, her partner has confirmed that she was laid to rest on April 9.
Taking to Instagram this weekend, Brisbane, who married Schilling in 2018, shared that he and their 10-year-old daughter, Maddie, will be relocating. He wrote: “Thanks so much for all the messages of support over the past month since our girl’s passing.” He added that he and Maddie have found strength in how deeply loved Mel was.
He described the private ceremony as a beautiful event for family and close friends, which was also streamed online for relatives in Australia. “Maddie announced on the morning of the funeral that she had written a little speech which she delivered beautifully. Every inch her mother’s daughter, and I couldn’t be prouder,” he said.
Brisbane also revealed that some of Schilling’s ashes were scattered at a lighthouse in his hometown of Whitehead, Northern Ireland, as per her wishes. “It’s a special place that really resonated with her, a place where strangers say hello as you pass, and a place we can now come back to to reflect on our incredible 15 years together,” he shared.
On the next chapter of their lives, he wrote: “In a few short weeks, Maddie and I will be welcomed back into the arms of mother Bali, where we will begin our next chapter. No better place to heal, a place that we all loved and where we still have some of our dearest friends who had the most wonderful blessing ceremony for Mel at our new villa last weekend.”
He concluded by revealing that one photo from the video montage, which showed Schilling smiling and wearing a white feathered blazer, was chosen as her funeral photo. “Equal parts glam, warmth and vulnerability, which was her all over,” he said, signing off with: “Love and light to you all.”
In the comments, fans and industry colleagues sent well-wishes and condolences. “So much love to you all ❤️,” commented Celebs Go Dating agent Anna Williamson, while Vicky Pattison echoed: “Sending so much love 🥹♥️.”
MAFS star Claire Nomarhas added: “She’d be so proud of you two. Your forever guardian angel 🤍.” Amanda Lamb, host of A Place in the Sun, wrote: “You have been in my thoughts and heart constantly… How blessed to have had such an amazing woman by your side… sending love to you and Maddie and remembering the firecracker that was your amazing wife ❤️❤️❤️.”
Tributes also flooded in from famous figures after news of Schilling’s death broke in March. Channel 4 shared their own statement, describing her as someone who “radiated joy, warmth, and optimism.” They added: “Everyone who knew her will miss all this about her and much more. We share in the sorrow that we’re sure many viewers will now feel at this terrible loss.”
Symptoms of Bowel Cancer
The NHS states that symptoms of bowel cancer can include:
Changes in your poo, such as having softer poo, diarrhoea or constipation that is not usual for you
Needing to poo more or less often than usual for you
Blood in your poo, which may look red or black
Bleeding from your bottom
Often feeling like you need to poo, even if you’ve just been to the toilet
Tummy pain
A lump in your tummy
Bloating
Losing weight without trying
Feeling very tired for no reason
For more information, click here.
Additionally, Schilling was praised by the charity Bowel Cancer UK for her “courage in speaking so openly about bowel cancer, from her diagnosis through to treatment and everything in between,” declaring that her story “has already made a profound difference.”
Schilling first appeared on the Aussie version of Married At First Sight in 2016. Living in London, she made several appearances on British TV shows, too, on game shows such as The Weakest Link, Countdown, and The Wheel.
She underwent her chemotherapy and subsequent radiotherapy while still filming for MAFS, having later announced that she would be stepping back from the programme after 12 seasons on the panel.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures, get in touch with the .co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
