{"id":2327040,"date":"2026-03-13T20:20:29","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T20:20:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/?p=2327040"},"modified":"2026-03-13T20:20:29","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T20:20:29","slug":"davina-mccall-and-holly-willoughby-among-celebrities-to-send-heartfelt-messages-to-mel-schilling-after-being-told-cancer-is-untreatable","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/davina-mccall-and-holly-willoughby-among-celebrities-to-send-heartfelt-messages-to-mel-schilling-after-being-told-cancer-is-untreatable\/","title":{"rendered":"Davina McCall and Holly Willoughby among celebrities to send heartfelt messages to Mel Schilling after being told cancer is untreatable"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div id=\"main\">\n<div class=\"hydrate-root sc-10wlkbs-0\" data-component=\"Newsletter\" data-loading=\"lazy\" data-theme-name=\"independent\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-2 kcLSBk\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/newsletters\/indyArts1_1.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"IndependentCulture\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE\"\/><\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-1 inRDZn\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-3\">\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-4 hfveGa\">\n<p><h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-6 fvoxRM fafQAy\">Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email<\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-8 fvoxRM fvWmZq\">Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter <\/h3>\n<h3 class=\"sc-y4bm30-5 sc-y4bm30-7 fvoxRM hkVmms\">Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter <\/h3>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-y4bm30-2 kcLSBk sc-y4bm30-9 iQYNfz\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/newsletters\/indyArts1_1.png\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"IndependentCulture\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>TV personality <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/arts-entertainment\/tv\/mafs-mel-schilling-cancer-brain-colon-b2937514.html\">Mel Schilling <\/a>has received an outpouring of support from figures including<a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/arts-entertainment\/tv\/news\/davina-mccall-claudia-winkleman-comic-relief-b2935271.html\"> Davina McCall<\/a> and <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/arts-entertainment\/tv\/news\/holly-willoughby-quits-you-bet-itv-b2712088.html\">Holly Willoughby<\/a> after revealing her cancer is now untreatable. <\/p>\n<p>The 54-year-old Australian, known for her role as a relationship coach on <a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/tv\/lifestyle\/mel-schilling-terminal-cancer-john-aiken-mafs-b2937979.html\">Married At First Sight<\/a> (Mafs), shared the devastating news that the disease has spread to the left side of her brain. Doctors have informed her &#8220;there is nothing further they can do.&#8221; <\/p>\n<p>Writing on Instagram, Schilling described how her &#8220;world changed&#8221; in an instant upon learning of the cancer&#8217;s progression, adding that her &#8220;light is starting to fade.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>McCall, who had surgery for breast cancer in October, commented on Schilling\u2019s post, writing: \u201cHey xxxxx sending you love and light,\u201d followed by a heart emoji.<\/p>\n<p>Willoughby wrote: \u201cSending so much love\u2026 thinking of you and the family.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"3\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 edifSh\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/03\/01\/23\/c248d6914c74619f49338abb4af0f971Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzcyNDY5NzYz-2.83689034.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/03\/01\/23\/c248d6914c74619f49338abb4af0f971Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzcyNDY5NzYz-2.83689034.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2026\/03\/01\/23\/c248d6914c74619f49338abb4af0f971Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzcyNDY5NzYz-2.83689034.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"McCall was among the TV personalities to send a post in support of Schilling\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"sc-1uf4o3q-1 hwVecx\">open image in gallery<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>McCall was among the TV personalities to send a post in support of Schilling<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 exGSyR\"> (Ian West\/PA)<\/span><\/div>\n<p>Australian pop singer Dannii Minogue also sent a message of support, writing: \u201cYou are small but mighty, with such a huge heart.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI have not known you long, but you are so loved by so many. My heart breaks for you and your beautiful family.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cLooking forward to holding your tiny hand, laughing so loud and dancing it off. Always here to bring you some Aussie sunshine.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Schilling, who offers relationship advice on Channel 4 reality dating show Married At First Sight, had treatment for colon cancer in 2023.<\/p>\n<p>But a routine scan months later found \u201csmall nodules\u201d in her lungs which have since spread to parts of her brain, causing \u201cblinding headaches and numbness\u201d down the right side of her body.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-0 ijrISW\">\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-10\">\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-3 bnPMtb\">\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-4 hqeEpq\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/mobile-stores\/Apple_TV_Plus.png\" width=\"112\" height=\"52\" alt=\"Apple TV+ logo\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-5 erkCqL\">\n<p class=\"sc-118zqaw-6 fwMNvw\">Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-118zqaw-7 euVGoL\">New subscribers only. \u00a39.99\/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-1aus1tj-1 jseGHe sc-118zqaw-2\" href=\"https:\/\/tv.apple.com\/gb\/channel\/tvs.sbd.4000?itscg=30200&amp;itsct=independent_tv&amp;ct=offer&amp;at=1000l3akK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Try for free<\/a><\/div>\n<p class=\"sc-118zqaw-8 eEWumW\">ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission.<span class=\"disclaimer-break\"> This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-1 bfZJxf\">\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-10\">\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-3 bnPMtb\">\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-4 hqeEpq\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/static-assets\/images\/mobile-stores\/Apple_TV_Plus.png\" width=\"112\" height=\"52\" alt=\"Apple TV+ logo\"\/><\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-118zqaw-5 erkCqL\">\n<p class=\"sc-118zqaw-6 fwMNvw\">Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day<\/p>\n<p class=\"sc-118zqaw-7 euVGoL\">New subscribers only. \u00a39.99\/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><a rel=\"nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"sc-1aus1tj-1 jseGHe sc-118zqaw-2\" href=\"https:\/\/tv.apple.com\/gb\/channel\/tvs.sbd.4000?itscg=30200&amp;itsct=independent_tv&amp;ct=offer&amp;at=1000l3akK\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Try for free<\/a><\/div>\n<p class=\"sc-118zqaw-8 eEWumW\">ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission.<span class=\"disclaimer-break\"> This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"3\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 edifSh\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/12\/02\/17\/dabfb642ad01e2a1cf4051ce61875d85Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzY0NzcxMjI5-2.78905449.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/12\/02\/17\/dabfb642ad01e2a1cf4051ce61875d85Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzY0NzcxMjI5-2.78905449.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2025\/12\/02\/17\/dabfb642ad01e2a1cf4051ce61875d85Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzY0NzcxMjI5-2.78905449.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Holly Willoughby also sent a message of suopport\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"sc-1uf4o3q-1 hwVecx\">open image in gallery<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Holly Willoughby also sent a message of suopport<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 exGSyR\"> (PA Archive)<\/span><\/div>\n<p>The TV personality said that while filming Mafs she underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, and has now been told that there is nothing further that can be done to treat the cancer.<\/p>\n<p>She said: \u201cOver the past two years, while filming Mafs, I underwent 16 rounds of chemotherapy and was later told I was eligible for a ground-breaking clinical trial specific to my gene type, due to start in March 2026. Once again, my optimism soared that I might beat this thing.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOver Christmas, however, I began experiencing blinding headaches and numbness down my right side.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAfter 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cHearing those words changes everything.<\/p>\n<div class=\"sc-awdjp1-2 cbpRGD sc-awdjp1-3 image align-center\">\n<div data-gallery-length=\"3\" class=\"sc-awdjp1-0 FvROr\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2021\/08\/16\/10\/newFile-2.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2021\/08\/16\/10\/newFile-2.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=320&amp;auto=webp 320w, https:\/\/static.independent.co.uk\/2021\/08\/16\/10\/newFile-2.jpg?quality=75&amp;width=640&amp;auto=webp 640w\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Schilling thanked people for messaging her words of encouragement and support and said they have helped \u201cshape the mindset\u201d she needed to \u201ckeep fighting\u201d\" class=\"sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn\"\/><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"sc-1uf4o3q-1 hwVecx\">open image in gallery<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>Schilling thanked people for messaging her words of encouragement and support and said they have helped \u201cshape the mindset\u201d she needed to \u201ckeep fighting\u201d<span class=\"sc-1cbdeug-7 exGSyR\"> (Channel 4)<\/span><\/div>\n<p>\u201cMy light is starting to fade \u2014 and quickly. But I am still here, still fighting, and surrounded by the most incredible love.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cSimple tasks have become incredibly difficult and I am relying on my beautiful family to look after me. I honestly don\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>She thanked people for messaging her words of encouragement and support and said they have helped \u201cshape the mindset\u201d she needed to \u201ckeep fighting\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Schilling added: \u201cIf I could leave you with one thing, it would simply be this: if something doesn\u2019t feel right, please get it checked out. It might just save your life.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It comes after Schilling announced she would be stepping back from the Australian version of the programme after 12 seasons on the expert panel.<\/p>\n<p>In a statement shared online, Channel 4 said Mafs Australia expert John Aiken will step in to replace Schilling for the remainder of the UK series, which is currently being filmed.<\/p>\n<p>The broadcaster said: \u201cAll of us at Channel 4 are immeasurably saddened by the news about Mel\u2019s health, and are sending all of our love and support to Mel and her family.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p><em> \u2018 The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n<p><em> \u2018 Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.independent.co.uk \u2019 <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter TV personality Mel Schilling has received an outpouring of support from figures including Davina McCall and Holly Willoughby after revealing her [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1948653,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":[],"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[25173],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2327040","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-artists"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Strictly-2025-BBC-loses-professional-competitor-for-new-series.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327040","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2327040"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327040\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2327041,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2327040\/revisions\/2327041"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1948653"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2327040"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2327040"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/celebrity.land\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2327040"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}