John Aiken delivered a moving tribute to Married At First Sight relationship expert Mel Schilling following her death at age 54. The emotional segment aired before Wednesday’s episode on Channel Nine, where Aiken held back tears while remembering his co-star and close friend.
Aiken’s Heartfelt On-Air Remarks
“It’s with great sadness and heavy heart that today the MAFS family lost a colleague and a dear friend, Mel Schilling,” Aiken said. “She could light up a room, full of joy with a huge smile, and everyone lifted whenever she was on set.”
He praised her for bringing fun, humor, and authenticity to the show. “She was a leader, an inspiration who never complained and always rolled up her sleeves,” Aiken added. “Someone who meant so much to all of us—it’s not fair. Married At First Sight won’t be the same without her.”
Aiken extended thoughts to her husband Gareth and daughter Maddie. “We love you,” he concluded. Channel Nine followed with a dedication: “With gratitude for her warmth, honesty, and insight. A beloved member of our team, she’ll always be part of the Married At First Sight family.”
Today Show Interview
Earlier on Wednesday, Aiken, 55, appeared on the Today show, breaking down as he discussed the rapid loss. “This has been a very difficult day for everyone in the MAFS family and her nearest and dearest. It’s tragic, and it happened very quickly,” he shared.
He recounted a final visit with Mel and Gareth, calling it “very emotional and very special.” Aiken described her aggressive cancer battle: “She was such a fighter, a breath of fresh air, a real shining light.”
Reflecting on her decade-long collaboration, Aiken called her a “real role model” and “voice of reason.” “She was my partner in crime… I couldn’t have done it without her,” he said. “She loved love and was committed to the participants wanting everyone to get the fairy tale.”
Mel Schilling’s Career and Passing
Gareth announced Mel’s death on Tuesday, just days after she revealed her cancer had spread to her brain. In his statement, he highlighted her love for him and their 10-year-old daughter Madison.
Mel served on the expert panel for 12 seasons of the Australian Married At First Sight and five series of the UK version on Channel 4. She stepped back from filming earlier this year to focus on family and health, with Aiken filling in for the ongoing UK series.
