Wellington Point real estate agent and former Married At First Sight contestant Stephanie Marshall says she was shocked and heartbroken to hear relationship expert Mel Schilling reveal her cancer has spread to her brain.
Schilling, 54, shared the devastating update on social media on Friday, telling followers the cancer she was first diagnosed with in 2023 had deteriorated despite extensive treatment.
The long-time MAFS expert said doctors had now told her there was nothing further they could do.
Marshall, who met Schilling during her time on the reality show, said the news was difficult to process given how vibrant Schilling appeared.
“I really only met Mel twice but she was honestly beautiful. She is honestly just beautiful,” Marshall said.
“I would never have looked at her and thought that she was so unwell. It’s really heartbreaking.”
Marshall said Schilling showed kindness and support to contestants even after filming ended.
“She was just really kind to me you know following the show,” she said.
“I messaged her reaching out saying just thank you for your support and what not and she came straight back to me.
“Really really beautiful woman honestly.
“It’s these things that always happen to the kindest kindness of human beings and just so so young so it’s it’s super heartbreaking.”
Schilling, a psychologist who has appeared as a relationship expert on the Australian version of Married At First Sight for more than a decade, revealed she began experiencing severe headaches and numbness late last year before tests confirmed the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain.
In an emotional social media post, she said the news had changed everything.
“My light is starting to fade – and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love,” she wrote.
Schilling was first diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023 and initially underwent surgery to remove a tumour.
However, a routine scan in 2024 revealed the disease had spread to her lungs, leading to 16 rounds of chemotherapy.
Despite the diagnosis, she continued filming the reality show before stepping away earlier this year due to what she described as “health challenges”.
The Nine Network, which broadcasts the program, said it was deeply saddened by the news and praised Schilling’s strength.
“Mel’s honesty and her ability to face life’s hardest moments with such strength and openness is something we admire,” the network said.
“She isn’t just a colleague; she is family.”
