Tribute from Paul C Brunson
Paul C Brunson, Mel Schilling's co-star on Married At First Sight UK, has paid an emotional tribute to his late friend and colleague, describing her as "fearless," "tough," and "deeply loved."
Schilling, who appeared on the reality television series in both Australia and the UK, passed away on Tuesday, two years after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
Before the Australian edition of Married At First Sight was broadcast in the UK on Tuesday, E4 read a statement noting it was "Mel and her family's wish that we carry on showing" the programme following her death.
Brunson, who worked alongside Schilling as a relationship coach on the UK version of the show for five years, shared photos of them together and praised her "extraordinary strength."
He explained that Schilling had been traveling between Australia and the UK to film the show over the past two years while undergoing chemotherapy.
"Despite the travel, the treatment, the strain on her body... she showed up fully," he said. "Every single time. Always with a smile I never once heard her complain. That wasn't just professionalism. That was extraordinary strength."
Her Courage and Compassion
Brunson emphasized Schilling's fearlessness on the show, particularly in her advocacy for women and the LGBTQ+ community.
"Mel was tough. A straight talker. Strong in every sense. But when she spoke about her daughter Maddie... and her husband Gareth... everything softened," he added.
He concluded his message by highlighting how Schilling exemplified living by one's values and demonstrating strength even in difficult circumstances.
"She showed us what it means to live your values" and "to show up with strength, even when it's hard."
"She was present. She was powerful. She was full of heart," he continued. "She will be deeply loved. And profoundly missed."
About Married At First Sight
Married At First Sight is a reality television programme where single individuals agree to marry strangers, meeting them for the first time at the altar. The UK version of the show was nominated for Best Reality Show at the 2024 Bafta TV Awards.
E4 Statement and Additional Tributes
Prior to the broadcast on Tuesday, an E4 announcer expressed the network's sadness over Schilling's passing.
"Everyone at is hugely saddened by the news we've lost Mel Schilling.
"It was Mel and her family's wish that we carry on showing Married At First Sight and celebrate her mission to help others find love and happiness."
Alessandra Rampolla, another coach on the Australian version of the show, also shared a tribute, expressing heartbreak at Schilling's death.
"I feel so incredibly grateful for the time we shared last week... to look you in the eyes, to hold your hand, and to say the things that truly mattered," she wrote.
"That is a gift I will carry with me for the rest of my life."
Rampolla described Schilling as "so much more than a colleague."
"You were a constant, a guiding force, and to me, someone I admired and learned from - like a big sister, a woman of immense heart, wisdom, and generosity."
