Mel Schilling‘s passing earlier this year added an unexpected emotional twist to this season’s Married At First Sight.

And now one of Mel’s close behind-the-scenes associates has paid a moving tribute to the relationship expert who died in March at age 54 after a long cancer battle.

Marney Hands, a makeup and hair stylist who called Mel by the nickname Moo, has shared video and photos of the final time she prepared the beloved host for an appearance under the lights.

‘Well, this was it, Moo, this was the last ever time I got to do your hair and makeup,’ she said in a lengthy and warm post on Instagram on Tuesday.

In the photo, Mel can be seen sporting a flattering curly side ponytail hairstyle, which Hands said took many hours to complete.

Adding that she broke her curling iron in the process, the veteran make-up artist said, ‘I am SO happy we could create a look that you loved for your farewell appearance.’

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One of Mel Schillings’ close behind-the-scenes associates has paid a moving tribute to the relationship expert who died in March at age 54 after a long cancer battle. Pictured: Marney Hands, a makeup and hair stylist, posted a video and photos of the final time she prepared the beloved host for an appearance under the lights

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Pictured: The final result took many hours to complete Hands said on her Instagram

She added: ‘It was possibly my favourite look on you and God knows we’ve done hundreds. There’s something quite lovely about that, I think.’

Elsewhere in her moving look back at her time with Mel, Hands said she broke down at work after producers showed a tape package of the star.

‘I’m still struggling with the fact you’ve gone; part of my brain just won’t seem to let me process it,’ she continued.

‘Every single day, there is at least one moment when I go to send you a screenshot or a meme, and I remember all over again that you’re not here.’

Hands added, ‘I have decided that this is my checklist of ways to honour you: be glass half full, be confident, have good posture.

(Like, so freaking good that you can sit in the middle position on a sofa for 47 hours straight with your feet barely reaching the floor and you NEVER once slouch).

‘Look after my health, and laugh often.’

She also revealed that Mel had suggested Hands to use dating apps, and joked, ‘You’re not winning that one.’

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Pictured: Mel being made up for the last time by Marney Hands, who nicknamed the MAFS star ‘Moo’ and admitted to still struggling with her loss months after her passing

‘I love you, my little pocket rocket. Thank you for being such an exquisite example of a human being, and I am so damn lucky to have met you.’

Hands also shared a time-lapse video of Mel’s final make-up session and a photo of the MAFS star in a beautiful off-the-shoulder gown and earrings.

Hands words met with an enthusiastic response from followers, including MAFS expert Alessandra Rampolla.

‘A truly showstopping final look – you created something so special for her,’ she said, adding, ‘Mel was pure magic… we’ll all miss her more than words can say. Sending you so much love, Marney.’

MAFS alum Lucinda Light called the look Hands created for Mel ‘stunning’, as did former Bachelor Australia star Brittany Hockley.

‘I felt so sad watching the last ep of her last night!!,’ messaged another fan.

‘She was so strong!!! So strong!! You created such a beautiful look.’

The Australian psychologist-turned-dating expert was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2023, and she and her family had been living in London, where she was being treated.

She announced that ‘after a tumour the size of a lemon’ was successfully removed, she had been given the all-clear.

But in a lengthy Instagram post, she revealed that she found out her cancer had metastasised to her lungs in February 2024, and over Christmas 2025, it was discovered it had spread to her brain.

Mel’s Northern Irish husband, Gareth Brisbane, confirmed the news of her death.