MARRIED AT FIRST SIGHT UK WELCOMES JOHN AIKEN AS MEL SCHILLING STEPS BACK DUE TO HEALTH DIAGNOSIS

Married At First Sight UK star Mel Schilling has revealed her cancer has spread to her brain, which was subsequently followed by announcement from Channel 4 that MAFS Australia's John Aiken would be stepping into Mel's shoes for the upcoming series.

Posting on Instagram, Mel revealed: "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."

"Hearing those words changes everything. So that’s where I am now. My light is starting to fade — and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love. Simple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don’t know how long I have left, but I do know I will fight to my last breath and will be surrounded by the love and support of my people."

A Channel 4 spokesperson said: All of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel’s health, and are sending all of our love and support to Mel and her family...

"Over five series of Married at First Sight UK, and twelve series of Married at First Sight Australia, Mel has become a hugely valued and much-loved part of the Channel 4 family; to many of us she is a friend as well as a colleague. Her wisdom, warmth, humour and kindness shine through, and these qualities mean that everyone involved in MAFS, from the producers and contributors, to the viewers, love and respect her as much as we do...

"MAFS UK is currently filming and, with Mel’s blessing, her good friend and fellow MAFS Australia expert, John Aiken, has done us the great favour of stepping in for her for this series.."

When Married At First Sight UK returns, a new brave batch of singles ready to say ‘I do’ and take that bold first step on the path to their happily ever after. Bursting with butterflies, the new brides and new grooms will first meet at the altar to make their vows in stunning wedding ceremonies.

They’ll take of leap of faith to find love as they jet off on luxury honeymoons and start a bold new chapter in their lives. They’ll move in together, attend dinner parties with fellow couples, and reunite at commitment ceremonies where every couple will lift the lid on how they really feel in their relationship.

Married At First Sight UK returns this September on Channel 4.