Yahoo Lifestyle 
Logies 2024: MAFS expert absent from award show after cast weren't invited
EXCLUSIVE: Mel Schilling spoke to Yahoo Lifestyle about why she's not attending the 64th Logie Awards.
The 64th Annual Logie Awards have descended upon The Star Sydney for another year with all of Australia's most recognisable faces hitting the red carpet prior to the star-studded ceremony. Everyone's favourite celebs from The Block, Dancing With the Stars, Home and Away and more were in attendance - although there were a few notable absences.
Married at First Sight Australia - which is up for Best Structured Reality Program - was repped by experts John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla, with fan favourite Mel Schilling notably missing. The relationship expert told Yahoo Lifestyle that her absence was a planned choice - and most definitely not a snub on either side.
Mel Schilling explains Logies absence
“This year, I’ve made the choice to prioritise my health and my family," Mel said. "Although I love the Logies - and really hope we scoop up an award this time round - I’ve decided to stay on the Gold Coast with Gareth and Maddie to fully recuperate and ensure that I’m fighting fit for season 12 of MAFS Australia."
Mel has been open about her battle with colon cancer, announcing it on Instagram late last year and saying she had "severe stomach cramps" while filming Season 11 of MAFS, telling Yahoo Lifestyle that she was "doubled over in pain" while filming.
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“At the reunion dinner party I was doubled over in pain and then during the whole reunion shoot, I was just trying to smile through the pain and just get through it,” she said. “I didn't know what it was, I thought it was jet lag. I really did. I just thought I'm working too hard, it’s the travel, I'm just not taking care of myself. I really didn't think it was anything else.”
Mel underwent surgery to remove to tumour and finished chemotherapy two weeks ago.
MAFS 2024 stars not attending Logies
Despite being one of the highest-rated TV shows in Australia, multiple reports recently claimed that there will be no cast members from Married At First Sight in attendance.
One season 11 participant tells Yahoo Lifestyle that they find it “weird” no one from their season will be attending, especially because so many cast members have walked the red carpet in previous years.
“It definitely would’ve been fun and I would’ve enjoyed going,” they said. “It’s disappointing, but I understand the decision because there were fewer invites to go around this year. It’s not that big of a deal.”
MAFS 2025: What to expect
MAFS 2025 already looks to be just as dramatic as previous seasons, with one bride and groom being set up after previously dating in real life, ex-reality TV stars joining the cast for another shot at love, one bride already spotted moving in alone, and last minute scrambles for replacement cast members.
A source recently told Yahoo Lifestyle that Channel Nine was looking to introduce security at the MAFS dinner parties after the first week saw two couples "stand up and almost have a physical altercation". The insider went on to say that some of the cast told production that they didn't feel safe and added, "It would have turned into 'fisticuffs' if they weren't separated."
We already can't wait. Bring. It. On.
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