Married At First Sight star Mel Schilling has cancer as co-star John Aiken pays tribute

'Married At First Sight' expert John Aiken has paid tribute to Mel Schilling after her cancer diagnosis.

The 51-year-old psychologist and dating coach - who appears on the UK and Australian editions of the show - has been diagnosed with colon cancer and her co-star on the Aussie version has shared an emotional message of support online.

He wrote on Instagram: "Sending love and prayers to Mel. Thinking of you and the fight ahead. We're all in your corner."

Mel revealed the devastating news on Wednesday (19.12.23) morning in a candid post on social media.

Alongside a family photo with husband Gareth Brisbane, 51, and their eight-year-old daughter Madison, she wrote: "'You have cancer'.

"Three little words that everyone dreads but no one ever expects to hear. Last Thursday my consultant told me those three words."

She explained she was diagnosed one month after feeling pain in her stomach during filming for the upcoming 11th season of 'MAFS Australia'.

She continued: "About a month ago, when I was filming in Australia, I developed severe stomach cramps on set.

"I put it down to all the travel I'd been doing and the upset it caused to my system.

"I saw my GP in Sydney and he put it down to constipation, gave me some laxatives and sent me on my way."

However, she had a feeling her condition was more serious than that, and set up a scan when she was back in the UK.

She said: "On Thursday I was told I had colon cancer and in an instant my whole life changed."

Today (20.12.23) she will go to hospital to have a tumour removed, and she will remain there over Christmas as she receives treatment.

She admitted she still feels "incredibly blessed", because the her cancer is "relatively easy to eradicate".

She wrote: "It will be so tough to spend Xmas Day in hospital instead of being surrounded by family but getting rid of Terry (what I've named my tumour) will be the best present of all."