Queer MAFS UK stars pay tribute to Mel Schilling after tragic death
Davide Anica and Ella Morgan from MAFSUK with Mel Schilling (Instagram/daveanica | Instagram/ellamorganc)
Married at First Sight fans have been left devastated by the sad death of dating coach Mel Schilling.
The dating expert joined Married at First Sight UK in 2021 after becoming a fan favourite on the Australian version of the show.
Schilling’s husband Gareth Brisbane shared the devastating news in a touching Instagram statement. Her death came just weeks after she revealed cancer had spread to her brain.
The show, currently airing the latest season of the Australian version on E4 in the UK, sees strangers matched by experts, also including Paul C Brunson and Charlene Douglas. They meet for the first time at their wedding, and then try to build a strong, lasting relationship.
In recent years, a number of LGBTQ+ singles have joined the show, including the series first ever trans woman, Ella Morgan.
Ella Morgan
Ella Morgan shared a length tribute on Instagram, as well as a fun photo of the pair of them.
She wrote: “There’s not enough words to describe how brave, resilient, beautiful, inspiring and iconic you are. You have changed so many people’s lives, inspired so many, taught so many, loved so many, and for that we are all grateful.”
Morgan continued: “Thank you for being an amazing ally to me and my queer community and always being so inclusive of everybody. That love really helped me through such dark times.”
Davide Anica
Davide Anica, who was paired with Keye Luke on the most recent series, shared a string of photos.
He also wrote: “Always calm, always kind, always knowing exactly what to say when it mattered most. She had this way of making you feel seen… and reminding you what really matters.”
Keye-Luke Tortice-Lunn
Keye shared the statement from Channel 4 on his story, adding: “Honestly the most beautiful light!
“A privilege to have spent time in your presence.” He finished the message with a hand-heart emoji and crying emoji.
Leigh Harris
Leigh Harris shared a lengthy message previously when Mel Schilling shared her health battle.
Following her death, Harris shared a video of her and Davide Anica with Schilling. She wrote: “What a woman you were Mel. A smile that would brighten any room. You will be so missed.”
Leah Marie Tyler
Leah Marie Tyler, who was paired with Leigh Harris on the show, shared a photo of Mel and her family on her Instagram Story.
She wrote over the top: “Life is so sly sometimes. It’s so wild to me how things can turn like they do. Sending love to Mel’s family. Heartbreaking.”
Charlie Curtis
Charlie Curtis, who was paired with Eve Reid on the 2024 series, shared a short tribute on her Instagram Story.
She wrote: “Truly heartbroken by the news! You were such a gem!”
Adrian Sanderson
Adrian Sanderson shared a sweet tribute to Mel, writing: “A woman who stood for many wonderful things in this world and used her voice to amplify good.
“She helped people when they needed it and showed kindness when it was difficult to find reason.”
Thomas Hartley
Thomas Hartley, who appeared on the show in 2022 married to Adrian Sanderson, shared a loving tribute on Instagram.
He wrote: “Goodnight Mel thanks for always encouraging me to be myself. Absolutely heartbroken.”
Hartley also shared a cute DM he’d received from Schilling before which read: “I received a message from a boy today who bought my book and told me I’m becoming a gay icon – OMG made my week!”
Sean Malkin
Sean Malkin simply reposted the tribute Mel Schilling’s husband posted to his Instagram Story.
Mark Kiley
Mark, who was married to Sean Malkin on the 2023 series, shared an image of Mel on his Instagram Story.
He wrote: “So sad! One of the kindest people!”
Matt Jameson
Matt Jameson, who was married to Daniel McKee on Mel’s first UK series in 2021, shared an image of the dating coach alongside a broken-heart emoji.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
