Mel Schilling today announced that she will be stepping away from her role as an Expert on Married at First Sight Australia.

Mel said: “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.”

“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, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK. Thank you for being part of this chapter with me.”

Adrian Swift, Nine’s Head Of Content, Production & Development

“Mel has been on the Married at First Sight journey from season two. She helped us define the show in the early days and always brought her incredible insight and empathy to both the matching process and to the commitment ceremony couch.”

“She has celebrated every high and met every challenge over the last 12 seasons of MAFS but her enthusiasm to find the best match for hundreds of Aussies has remained undiminished.”

“All of us at Nine hugely value her contribution to the nation’s most-watched television series but we understand the pull of her home in the UK and wish her continued success on MAFS UK.”

Tara McWilliams, Director of Content, Endemol Shine Australia 

“It’s hard to imagine the couch without Mel. From the moment she joined the experiment, Mel brought an authenticity and passion that resonated deeply with millions of MAFS viewers, both here and abroad. Her ability to both challenge and champion our participants has helped shape the heart and evolution of the series.”

“We are forever grateful for all that she’s brought to the show, and while we will miss her expertise, warmth and unmistakable presence, we wholeheartedly support her decision to prioritise her life in the UK with her family, wishing her every happiness”.

Tuesday 17 February, 2026