Married At First Sight expert Mel Schilling was noticeably absent from the Logie Awards on Sunday despite the hit reality show being up for Best Structured Reality Program.
While her fellow experts John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla represented the show on the red carpet, Mel opted to stay home on the Gold Coast—a decision she says was made with her health and family in mind.
Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Mel clarified that her absence was a planned choice, dispelling any rumours of a rift.
‘This year, I’ve made the choice to prioritise my health and my family,’ she shared.
‘Although I love the Logies—and really hope we scoop up an award this time round—I’ve decided to stay on the Gold Coast with Gareth and Maddie to fully recuperate and ensure that I’m fighting fit for season 12 of MAFS Australia.’
Mel has been candid about her recent battle with colon cancer, which she first revealed to fans on Instagram late last year.
She opened up about suffering from ‘severe stomach cramps’ while filming season 11, a pain so intense it left her doubled over during the reunion dinner party.
‘At the reunion dinner party, I was doubled over in pain, and then during the whole reunion shoot, I was just trying to smile through the pain and get through it,’ Mel recalled previously.
‘I didn’t know what it was. I thought it was jet lag. I really did. I just thought I’m working too hard, it’s the travel, I’m just not taking care of myself. I really didn’t think it was anything else.’
After a harrowing journey, Mel underwent surgery to remove the tumour and recently completed her chemotherapy, finishing the gruelling treatment just two weeks ago.
Despite her absence from the Logies, Mel’s decision to focus on her health has been met with an outpouring of support from fans.
It comes as Daily Mail Australia revealed next year’s series is already shaping up to be one of the most chaotic and controversial series to date.
The upcoming series, already labelled the most chaotic in the show’s history, promises a level of turmoil that producers are struggling to contain.
Viewers are going to see things very early on that have never happened before.
‘It’s truly amazing how every year, despite having done this for so long, we encounter storylines that are entirely new,’ John Aiken teased of the new season.
‘There are quite a few of those [next year]. I’ve been part of this for 12 seasons now, and even I witnessed a couple of things this time around that I’ve never seen before.’