Married at First Sight star John Aiken has shared an emotional update following co-expert Mel Schilling’s announcement that her colon cancer has metastasised.
Mel, 52, posted to Instagram earlier this week to keep followers informed about her health. She revealed that after her colon cancer diagnosis in 2023, doctors later found the disease had spread to her lungs.
While continuing to film the dating series, Mel underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy. More recently, she began dealing with intense headaches and numbness, prompting further testing.
Mel said she was ultimately told the cancer had spread to her brain and that her medical team had no additional treatment options available.
Mel wrote: “Unfortunately, in late February 2024 during a routine scan, small nodules were discovered in my lungs. The cancer had metastasised and my world changed again in an instant.
“Over the past two years, while filming MAFS, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a groundbreaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.
“Over Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side. After many tests I was told the cancer had spread to the left side of my brain and, despite subsequent radiotherapy sessions, my oncology team have now told me there is nothing further they can do.”
In the wake of Mel’s post, fellow relationship expert John Aiken addressed the news in a TV interview with A Current Affair this week, where he appeared visibly moved.
“It’s just so unbelievable how quickly this disease has got on top of her. She’s an amazing woman. Such a bright shining light, and she is a fighter,” said John.
“We knew that she had cancer on and off for two years, but she never complained, never let on what was going on. And so this has come as a complete shock to all of us.
“I’ve spent a lot of time over the last 24 hours just going through photos and listening to music because she’s a very big fan of 80s music.”
John also said he hopes to return to the UK to see Mel in person.
As per Mayo Clinic, symptoms of colon cancer can include: