Channel 4 airs on-air tribute to late MAFS legend Mel Schilling following star's death at age 54

Channel 4 has aired an on-screen tribute to the late relationship expert Mel Schilling ahead of last night's episode of Married at First Sight Australia following the star's untimely death.

It was confirmed earlier this week by her family in a statement that Schilling had passed away at the age of 54 after a battle with colon cancer.

The news came only days after the MAFS legend had shared with the public that she would be stepping back from the UK iteration of the show after being told the cancer had spread to the left side of her brain.

Last night Channel 4 paid tribute to the Australian relationship expert, with a message shared before the latest MAFS Australia episode on E4.

"Everyone at Channel 4 is hugely saddened by the news we’ve lost Mel Schilling," the announcer said.

"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. Our thoughts are with Mel’s family and friends."

Schillings' MAFS UK co-star and friend, Paul Brunson, also shared a tribute to his social media, posting photos of the pair at the BAFTAs together.

He said: "I arrived on the red carpet with Mel and Charlene [Douglas] to represent MAFS UK. It was our first nomination and I was nervous.

"What stood out to me that night was how most celebrities handled it. They'd hear their name called, wave, and continue walking. But the first moment Mel heard her name, she stopped.

"She stepped off the red carpet, moved around the barrier, and went to hug the women calling out to her. Not a wave. Not a gesture. A real moment. The level of respect she showed her fans… that's something I'll never forget."

He continued: "Mel showed us what it means to live your values. To choose people. To show up with strength, even when it's hard. To stand for something.

"To never give up on yourself. And to love deeply. She was present. She was powerful. She was full of heart. She will be deeply loved. And profoundly missed."

The news of her untimely passing was confirmed in a tragic post from Schilling's husband, Gareth Brisbane, where he thanked fans for their ongoing support.

"Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today, surrounded by love," he wrote.

"In her final moments, when I thought cancer had taken away her ability to speak, she ushered me closer and whispered a message for Maddie and me that will sustain me for the rest of my life.

"It took all of her remaining strength, and that gesture summed up our wee Melsie perfectly. Even then, her only thought was for Maddie and me."

Schilling joined MAFS Australia in 2016 for its second season and remained on the show up until the time of her passing, continuing filming whilst receiving ongoing chemotherapy.

From 2021 onwards she then made appearances on the UK version of the show as well, appearing as an expert.

Following the announcement that Schilling had stepped back from MAFS UK due to ill health, it was confirmed John Aiken would be stepping in for filming of the upcoming series.

As per Mel Schillings's wishes, Married at First Sight Australia season 13 will continue to air on E4 at its usual time of 7:30pm, Monday to Thursday.