“It’s very difficult”: John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla open up about the heartbreaking reality of MAFS without
A new season of Married At First Sight is taking shape, with John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla back at the experts’ table.
But this time, there is an unmistakable absence.
Less than six months after the passing of Mel Schilling, her former colleagues have admitted that returning to the experiment without her has been deeply difficult.
“The energy is different”
Speaking on the Logies red carpet, John Aiken was asked what it has been like making the new season without Mel.
His answer was brief, but revealing.
“It’s very difficult.”
Alessandra Rampolla agreed, admitting that Mel’s absence has changed the atmosphere surrounding the show.
“Clearly the energy’s different and we’re building a new show without her,” she said.
And while the cameras have continued rolling, the grief has not simply disappeared.
“Missing her very much along the way. Yes, it’s very tough,” Alessandra added.
A familiar face that became part of MAFS
Mel was more than one of the experts on MAFS.
Over the years, she became closely associated with the show’s identity, sitting alongside John and Alessandra as they guided couples through some of the most difficult moments of the experiment.
Alessandra joined MAFS in 2021, while John has been the show’s only expert to appear in every season since it began in 2015.
That history makes Mel’s absence particularly noticeable.
The show is continuing — but one of its most recognisable voices is no longer there.
And there may be another change coming
While the loss of Mel has been felt behind the scenes, another mystery is surrounding this year’s expert panel.
There have been rumours that a new expert has joined the show.
John isn’t confirming anything yet.
“All will be revealed,” he teased.
Alessandra offered another tantalising hint:
“So many surprises this year.”
For now, viewers will have to wait to discover whether someone new will step into the space left at the experts’ table.
The couples are bringing surprises of their own
Away from the speculation, the new brides and grooms are already giving the experts plenty to talk about.
John says there are “real big surprises” coming early in the season.
For him, one of the most revealing parts of the experiment is watching whether contestants genuinely allow themselves to experience something different — or simply repeat the same relationship patterns.
This year, he says, many have truly thrown themselves into the process.
Alessandra agreed, saying the team loves seeing participants who are genuinely committed to the experiment.
A new chapter, with an absence that cannot be ignored
There will be new couples. New relationships. New surprises.
Perhaps even a new expert.
But beneath all the anticipation surrounding the next season is something much quieter.
John and Alessandra are returning to a show they have known for years — without the woman who was once beside them.
And as Alessandra’s words make clear, some absences cannot simply be filled.
“The energy is different.”