Married at First Sight star Mel Schilling has died at the age of 54, her husband has confirmed. In a heartbreaking statement, he penned: "Melanie Jane Brisbane-Schilling passed away peacefully today (March 24), surrounded by love. 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. 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. On behalf of our family and her incredible friendship group, thank you for the support from around the world.

"I also want to thank our wondreful MAFS family - John, Alessandra, Charlene, Roxy, and Sophie - for your kindness and compassion."

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