Married At First Sight’s John Aiken says filming new series has been ‘difficult’ following death of Mel Schillings

MAFS star John Aiken has admitted filming the show without Mel Schilling has been “difficult” and “bittersweet”. The dating experts worked alongside each other for 12 series before Mel’s death earlier this year. John Aiken admitted filming without Mel had been ‘difficult’ Credit: Getty John, Mel and Alessandra worked alongside each other for 12 series Credit: Eroteme Speaking to Channel Nine on the red carpet at Australia’s Logie Awards, John opened up about filming the new series without his longtime co-star. He said: “It’s a little bittersweet because, you know, with Mel not being here now, it’s sort of difficult at times. Sign up for the TV newsletter Thank you! “But, you know, we are flying the Married At First Sight flag.” Alessandra Rampolla was also asked about filming the new series and agreed that things felt “different”. Alessandra Rampolla agreed that things felt ‘very different’ Credit: Instagram Brigitte Zonta, who is known as ‘Dr. Lurve’ and describes herself as ‘Australia’s no.1 relationship coach’, is said to be joining the panel. She said: “Yes, it’s very different this year, but we are really enjoying the process of creating something new also.” Mel died aged just 54 following a battle with colon cancer, leaving behind her 11-year-old daughter Maddie and husband Gareth Brisbane. Married At First Sight Australia is currently filming its 2027 series. Relationship coach Brigitte Zonta, known professionally as Dr Lurve, is reportedly joining John and Alessandra on the expert panel, although Channel Nine has yet to confirm her appointment. Most read in TV While the Australian show is pushing ahead with its 2027 series, the future of MAFS UK continues to hang in the balance. Channel 4 is awaiting the findings of a review launched after allegations of rape and sexual assault were uncovered by a BBC Panorama investigation. Two women told the BBC they had been raped by their on-screen husbands during filming, while a third alleged she was subjected to a non-consensual sex act. All three men have denied the allegations. Channel 4 subsequently removed every series of MAFS UK from its streaming service and launched an external review into its welfare procedures. Ofcom has also opened a separate investigation following a fairness and privacy complaint about the show. Comment now