Paul C. Brunson shares heartbreaking tribute to his MAFS co-star Mel Schilling and recalls her 'extraordinary strength' juggling 14 hour work days in Australia and the UK during her cancer treatment

Mel Schilling's Married At First Sight UK co-star Paul C. Brunson has shared a poignant tribute to the star following her death at the age of 54.

The dating expert's death was confirmed by her husband Gareth in a heartbreaking statement on Tuesday.

Mel was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, and received treatment including chemotherapy in the UK whilst she filmed MAFS UK. She announced that 'after a tumour the size of a lemon' was successfully removed in 2023 that she had been given the all clear.

But in a lengthy Instagram post last week, she revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in February 2024, and over Christmas 2025 it was discovered it had spread to her brain.

Paul, who starred on the UK spin off of MAFS with Mel for five years, paid tribute to his friend's 'extraordinary strength' which he witnessed first hand during her gruelling treatment. 

Sharing a series of photos of their friendship, alongside fellow MAFS UK expert Charlene Douglas, Paul recalled: 'I'll never forget my first BAFTA in 2022. I arrived on the red carpet with Mel and Charlene 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.'

'What so many people don't know is that over the last two years, Mel was flying between Australia and the UK... repeatedly. Long-haul flights, working in both countries, back and forth.'

'There were days we filmed for up to 14 hours. And all of this while going through chemotherapy.'

'Despite the travel, the treatment, the strain on her body... she showed up fully. Every single time. Always with a smile I never once heard her complain. That wasn't just professionalism. That was extraordinary strength.'

Paul also paid tribute to practising psychologist Mel's work on MAFS, explaining how 'during MAFS commitment ceremonies, we each had our areas where we would lean in and speak truth.' 

'And when it came to defending women and the LGBTQ+ community, Mel was fearless. She didn't dilute it. She didn't make it comfortable. She made it honest. And she stood firm in it every single time.' 

'Mel was tough. A straight talker. Strong in every sense. But when she spoke about her daughter Maddie... and her husband Gareth... everything softened' 

'Her voice changed. Her energy shifted. There was always gentleness and tenderness. A deep, deep love. That's something I'll never forget.'

Paul ended his message by writing: '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. Not a wave. Not a gesture. A real moment. The level of respect she showed her fans... that's something I'll never forget.'

Mel died in London 'surrounded by love', after saying her goodbyes to her close friends during a series of visits in her final week.

The psychologist-turned-dating expert had split her time between the UK and her home in Australia after joining the British spin-off of the popular dating show in 2021.

She stepped down from the Australian show last year after 12 seasons, choosing to spend her final months at the London home she shared with her husband of eight years, Gareth, and their daughter Maddie, ten.

Mel's husband posted a lengthy tribute to her as he announced her passing on Tuesday, writing that 'this is a woman who became a new mum and a TV star at 42 — and nailed both.'

'This is a woman who, through two years of chemotherapy, when she could barely lift her head from the pillow, never complained and never stopped showing courage, grace, compassion and empathy, and never missed a day of filming.

'To most of you, she was Mel Schilling — matriarch of MAFS and queen of reality TV. To Maddie and me, she was our wee Melsie: an incredible mum, role model, and soulmate.'

E4 paid a heartbreaking tribute to Mel on Tuesday night before auring the latest episode of MAFS Australia, telling viewers that it was her 'wish to continue airing the programme' after her death.

'Everyone at Channel 4 is hugely saddened by the news we’ve lost Mel Schilling', they 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.'