Married At First Sight fans have a lot to look forward to this year as the latest season of MAFS Australia will be hitting screens in the UK very soon, as will the second MAFS UK 2025 reunion, and there’s a spin-off show called Second Marriage At First Sight on the way too.
And that’s before we even get started on the 2026 series of MAFS UK, which will also air later this year.
However, there’s also some sad news too as one of the show’s relationship experts has just revealed they’re ‘stepping away from the role’.
Mel Schilling is the only expert to have appeared on both the UK and Australian series, but she’s just confirmed that she’s saying goodbye to the Aussie show after 12 seasons.
She announced the news on Instagram, telling her followers, ‘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.
Mel continued, ‘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.’
Thankfully, Mel will still be helping singletons find love on this side of the pond as she added, ‘I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK.’
The comments section was flooded with former brides and grooms from both the UK and Australia paying tribute to Mel, with Ella Morgan writing, ‘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.’
Aussie bride Jules Robinson added, ‘Awwwww Mel. So emotional watching that. Love you xxx,’ while her husband Cam Merchant commented, ‘Be so proud Mel. Beautiful journey. Thank you for being ultimately you with the most incredible, heartfelt & postive intentions in all that you. Been such a privilege & your next chapter will continue to be special.’
