There has been much speculation about who will replace Married At First Sight Australia‘s beloved expert Mel Schilling, after she announced her departure from the show.
The dating expert, 54, confirmed she will be leaving the show after the 2026 series, though she will still appear on the UK iteration of MAFS.
Now, one of her rumoured replacements has directly addressed whether they’re taking on the role.
Find out everything we know below.
Who will replace Mel Schilling on Married At First Sight Australia?
While Channel Nine has not officially confirmed who will be taking over from Mel, fans have shared their hopes that 2024 contestant Lucinda Light would replace her.
“Get Lucinda light to take her place,” one fan wrote.
“Replace her with Lucinda Light,” another pleaded.
“Bring on Lucinda Light!!!! That would be so cool,” a third said.
Lucinda has become a familiar face since her MAFS debut, joining the cast of Travel Guides for 2026 alongside her co-star Andrea Thompson.
But sadly, they won’t get their wish.
“Since the news dropped, I’ve had a wave of gorgeous messages asking if I’d consider stepping into [Mel’s] role,” Lucinda told Pedestrian TV when asked about the rumours.
“I’m deeply touched and truly mean that — the faith people have in me is not lost on me.”
However, she explained that she is filming Celebs Go Dating in London, and her schedule would make it hard to commit to both shows.
[I’m] very much in student mode. I’m learning, unlearning, stretching, laughing at myself and soaking up wisdom,” she explained and then sent her well wishes to the MAFS expert.
Comedian Celeste Barber has also been backed by fans to join John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla on the couch.
However, given that John is a psychologist and Alessandra is a certified clinical sexologist, they might go for a more qualified expert already within the field to fill Mel’s space.
Insiders have also told New Idea that MAFS UK’s sex and relationship therapist Charlene Douglas is a top contender.
“Charlene ticks a lot of boxes for Nine,” an industry insider exclusively told us.
“She’s already part of the MAFS family, she understands how the experiment works and most importantly, she… knows how to deliver advice that translates well on television.”
The insider explained that her dynamic with sexologist and expert Alessandra Rampolla would be “interesting to watch”.
“Intimacy has become one of the biggest story drivers on MAFS,” the source continued.
“Charlene’s expertise in that space would feel like a natural evolution for the show rather than just a replacement for Mel.”
Not only that, her current involvement with the franchise means that fans are already familiar with her.
“She’s warm without being soft and authoritative without being harsh. This is exactly the balance MAFS experts need,” the source added.
Even though the insider confirmed that the discussions are “ongoing”, another name has also been thrown in the mix.
Love coach, marriage celebrant, speaker, and former Bachelor contestant Belinda Love is also reportedly being considered for the job.
“Belinda’s name comes up constantly whenever expert discussions happen,” the insider claimed. “She fits the network mould and has strong audience recognition.”
Industry observers have also claimed that sexologist Chantelle Otten, who is the long-term partner of Paralympian Dylan Alcott AO, could also bring something new to the show.
“There’s always interest in personalities who combine credibility with relatability,” a media commentator told New Idea. “Viewers connect with experts who feel authentic and accessibl
Why is Mel Schilling leaving Married At First Sight Australia?
Mel has decided to leave MAFS Australia to focus on her family life and career ventures in the UK.
She lives in London with her husband, Gareth Brisbane, and their daughter, Maddie, 10, and will continue to appear on MAFS UK.
In a statement confirming her exit, Mel also spoke about wanting to prioritise her health, after her recent battle with colon cancer, from which she is now in remission.
“After 12 extraordinary seasons, I have made the heartfelt decision to step away from my role as an expert on Married at First Sight Australia,” she shared on February 17.
“This hasn’t been a choice I’ve made lightly. In recent years, my health challenges and living in the UK, spending up to three months a year away from my family is no longer sustainable. It has become clear that I must make a change that puts my family, health and time at the very centre of my life.”
“What began as a small social experiment has grown into a global phenomenon, and I have felt truly privileged to be part of that journey.
“I am incredibly grateful to the fans, the production team, and my fellow experts for their trust and passion over the years.
“I am leaving not with sadness, but with a deep sense of gratitude for everything we’ve achieved together. Stepping away from the Australian series is the right move for my future, though I look forward to continuing my work with Married at First Sight UK.
“Thank you for being part of this chapter with me.”
