Latest news with #MelSchilling
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
First MAFS UK 2025 star revealed as dental practice manager dubbed 'one of the most stunning in show's history' months before new series returns
The first Married At First Sight UK star for the upcoming 2025 series of the E4 show has been revealed as a dental practice manager. Leisha Lightbody, who has been dubbed 'one of the most stunning in the show's history,' is reportedly due to take part in the social experiment later this year. The popular programme sees a selection of single people tie the knot with someone just moments after meeting down the aisle. And the couples are put together by relationship experts Mel Schilling, 53, Paul C Brunson, 46, and Charlene Douglas, 43. Each week they are helped by the trio to see if they are meant to be together, and have the option to leave the experiment if it is not going well. Hopefully Leisha finds someone that she is looking for during the tenth series of the programme. A source told The Sun: 'Leisha is one of the most stunning brides MAFS UK has ever had, and she's sure to catch the eye of all the grooms on the new series - not just her own. 'Leisha is obviously sworn to secrecy about being on the show, which filmed earlier this year, so there are no signs of it on her social media yet. 'The cast are set to be announced next month, with the show airing later in the autumn.' When the publication contacted C4 for comment, a spokesperson told them: 'We do not comment on speculation. The MAFS UK cast will be announced in the coming weeks.' MailOnline has also contacted C4 for comment. Applications for the upcoming series of the show closed back in February. Although nothing has been confirmed, the programme usually airs in September each year and wraps up in the middle of November. Viewers also usually enjoy the instalments from Monday to Thursday on E4. Married At First Sight originally hit our screens in the UK in 2015. There has been nine successful series so far since then and fans will be treated to another one very soon. One of the experts Mel has teased what viewers can expect in the coming months. The Aussie TV star dubbed the cast as 'authentic, relatable and surprising'. She added: 'I have several favourites, I do. It's like choosing a favourite child but I do. 'I do have quite a few favourites this year.' And back in February she shared a stunning snap from the set in a light pink suit. 'Let's go! MAFS UK 2025,' she captioned the post. Last year's season of the UK version of MAFS was a huge hit, with the likes of Luke and Amy, Adam and Polly, Nathan and Lacey, and Ross and Sacha making it to the final vows. Despite some of the relationships looking promising, none of them are together anymore.
Daily Mirror
21-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Married At First Sight UK star claims 'they were sexually assaulted during filming'
A Married At First Sight UK contestant has reportedly claimed they were sexually assaulted during the filming process of the show A Married At First Sight UK contestant has reportedly claimed they were sexually assaulted by their new partner during filming for the E4 show. It is understood the police are currently probing the contestant's claims. The popular reality series sees couples meet at the altar before spending their wedding night in a hotel. They then head on a honeymoon together. After returning, they live together and each week take part in a commitment ceremony, during which they can choose to stay or leave their marriage. The series then concludes with one final commitment ceremony, during which the couples must make a lasting decision about the future of their marriage. It has been reported by The Sun that the "non-recent" claim was reported on June 14. A spokesperson for Channel 4 told the Mirror that they are aware that a report has been made to police about an alleged sexual assault during filming. They added: "We take any issues on the show incredibly seriously. Producers follow strict welfare protocols as the wellbeing of the cast is always the first priority. Support would be offered to anyone who wished to report a matter to the authorities, and naturally we would cooperate with any enquiries or investigations.' A source told The Sun that the alleged assault "is a disastrous look for bosses" as the show has been criticised before. According to the publication, police said: "We received a report of a non-recent sexual assault on June 14. Enquiries remain ongoing," with a show spokesman telling them they're "aware" of the report and adding they offer support to "anyone who wished to report a matter". Filming for the UK version began in February. The series usually airs in the autumn. Experts for the series include Mel Schilling, Charlene Douglas and Paul C Brunson.
Daily Mail
12-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
MAFS star Mel Schilling shares sweet throwback photos with husband for seven-year anniversary... as filming for the 2026 season gets underway
Mel Schilling has shared a sweet tribute to her husband Gareth Brisbane, as the couple celebrated their seven-year wedding anniversary. The Married At First Sight relationship expert, 53, took to Instagram on Saturday to share a trio of photos highlighting hallmark moments in their relationship. The first throwback photo showed the couple, 14 years ago, looking loved-up as they enjoyed a drink at a bar. Mel explained in the caption that the photo was taken just prior to her introducing Gareth to her family for the first time. The second, and equally romantic, throwback was taken on a pre-wedding date night just prior to the couple's 2018 nuptials in Bali. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The post was rounded out with a more recent photo of the couple, taken this year, celebrating the launch of Mel's podcast How To Date. 'Happy anniversary to this guy. No 7 Year Itch here,' she said, referencing the classic Marilyn Monroe film. '7 years married, 14 years as soul mates. I don't believe in luck, but we finally found the partners we both deserve.' Mel continued: 'So grateful for you, my mate, my opposite, my rock, my motivator, my soft place to land, and my comedy partner. Love you, my one x.' The romantic post was met with a flurry of congratulations from friends and followers. 'Happy Wedding Anniversary. Can't believe how fast 7 years has gone. Sending you guys so much love!!!' one offered. Another chimed in with a similar: 'Happy 7th (Non-Itch) Anniversary to you both,' while a third echoed the sentiment with a sweet: 'Congratulations. A beautiful couple.' Mel was single for 10 years throughout her thirties before meeting Gareth through dating website eHarmony. The second, and equally romantic, throwback was taken on a pre-wedding date night just prior to the couple's 2018 nuptials in Bali The post was rounded out with a more recent photo of the couple, taken this year, celebrating the launch of Mel's podcast How To Date The couple went on to welcome their daughter Maddie, 10, and tied the knot in Bali in 2018 in a romantic commitment ceremony. They said 'I do' again in an intimate ceremony in Melbourne, back in 2021. Mel told Who magazine she was overcome with emotion on the day, and shed tears of happiness. 'It's just the meaning of it all. I was a late bloomer in life, like, I didn't meet my husband until I was nearly 40 and then we had our daughter Madison when I was nearly 42, so to be finally saying our "I dos" was an emotional time. 'It was very special,' she said. The wedding was capped at six people in total, with the family of three joined by two witnesses and a celebrant. Filming for the 2026 season of Married At First Sight has officially commenced – but production insiders say the show is already in crisis behind the scenes. Despite cameras now rolling, sources have revealed that several key roles in the cast are still not locked in, with last-minute dropouts and a strict new vetting process creating major headaches for producers. 'There's been some great talent who were deep in the process, but they suddenly got cold feet,' one insider told Daily Mail Australia. 'Others made it right to the final stages, only to be cut after background checks flagged issues. There's a mad scramble happening in real time to find replacements.' Earlier this month, EndemolShine Australia put out a fresh casting call encouraging singles to apply – a clear indication that not every match is finalised, despite production being underway. 'Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN,' read the casting post shared to the official MAFS Instagram last week. 'They're still scrambling for both brides and grooms,' a well-placed source said. 'There's definitely panic behind the scenes. The pressure is on to get it right after last season's controversies.' The insider added that while Nine is determined to deliver explosive television, they're taking no chances when it comes to who gets cast. 'Network execs have enforced tough new vetting rules. No criminal records. No previous court appearances. If there's even a whiff of controversy in someone's past, they're out.'
Wales Online
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Married At First Sight Australia producers 'struggling to find contestants' for new series
Married At First Sight Australia producers 'struggling to find contestants' for new series Married At First Sight Australia is reportedly struggling to find suitable singles to appear on the show, despite a new series due to begin filming soon Casting for the upcoming series of Married at First Sight Australia began months ago, yet producers appear to be encountering difficulties securing appropriate participants for the programme. Television industry sources have revealed that numerous positions remain unfilled on MAFS Australia, with some potential contestants withdrawing at the eleventh hour. "They're still scrambling for both brides and grooms," an insider revealed to Daily Mail Australia. "Honestly, they're desperate. There's a real sense of panic among the producers who know they have to deliver a standout cast to keep viewers hooked after this year's season was so controversial." Channel Nine's enhanced screening procedures have reportedly compounded the casting challenges. The network is said to be taking an uncompromising approach to comprehensive background investigations this series, reports the Mirror. Married at First Sight Australia experts John Aiken, Mel Schilling, and Alessandra Rampolla (Image: Channel 9 ) Article continues below Wales Online has contacted representatives for comment. An insider explained: "Channel Nine isn't messing around when it comes to background checks this year. They don't want anyone with a criminal record - not even someone who's faced court and been found not guilty. "It's about protecting the brand at all costs. But they're not playing it safe. They still want drama, chaos, headlines - they just don't want to give critics any more ammunition." These allegations emerge as production house EndemolShine Australia issued a casting appeal via Instagram recently. A message posted to the MAFS Instagram page stated: "Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN." The twelfth series of Married at First Sight Australia first aired in January, before making its way to E4 in the UK. The programme features couples who tie the knot without having previously met each other. MAFS sees couples marry despite having never met one another (Image: Nine ) Before the show commences, experts pair up the single participants. Due to Australian legal stipulations, the couples do not legally marry on the show but instead participate in an informal commitment ceremony. On MAFS Australia, relationship advisors John Aiken and Mel Schilling, along with sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, serve as the experts. The couples meet for the first time at the altar, spend their wedding night in a hotel, and then embark on a honeymoon together. Upon their return, they cohabit and each week participate in a commitment ceremony where they can decide whether to continue or end their marriage. The series culminates in a final commitment ceremony, during which the couples must make a definitive decision about their marital future. Article continues below Married at First Sight is available to watch on Channel 4.
Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
MAFS thrown into chaos as producers 'struggle to cast new contestants'
The thirteenth series of Married at First Sight Australia is soon to begin filming Casting for the new series of Married at First Sight Australia opened months ago, but it seems producers are struggling to find suitable singles to appear in the show. TV insiders have claimed that several spots remain empty on MAFS Australia, with some candidates even pulling out at the last minute. "They're still scrambling for both brides and grooms," a source told Daily Mail Australia. "Honestly, they're desperate. There's a real sense of panic among the producers who know they have to deliver a standout cast to keep viewers hooked after this year's season was so controversial." The Daily Mirror has reached out for comment. Channel Nine's new vetting process has also added to producers' casting problems. It is claimed that the network is "not messing around" when it comes to thorough background checks this time around. A source said, "Channel Nine isn't messing around when it comes to background checks this year. They don't want anyone with a criminal record - not even someone who's faced court and been found not guilty. "It's about protecting the brand at all costs. But they're not playing it safe. They still want drama, chaos, headlines - they just don't want to give critics any more ammunition." The claims come as production company EndemolShine Australia put out a casting call on Instagram in recent weeks. A post shared to the MAFS Instagram account read: "Looking for love or know someone who is? DMs are OPEN." Series 12 of Married at First Sight Australia began airing back in January, before later landing on E4 in the UK. The show features couples who marry despite having met one another before walking down the aisle. Experts match the singletons before the show begins. Due to legal requirements in Australia, participants are not legally married on the show but take part in an unofficial commitment ceremony. On MAFS Australia, the experts are relationship advisors John Aiken and Mel Schilling, along with sexologist Alessandra Rampolla. The couples meet at the altar, spends their wedding night in a hotel, and then heads on a honeymoon together. After returning, they live together and each week take part in a commitment ceremony, during which they can choose to stay or leave their marriage. The series then concludes with one final commitment ceremony, during which the couples must make a lasting decision about the future of their marriage. Married at First Sight is available to watch on Channel 4.
