MAFS' Mel Schilling shares emotional tribute after Dr Trisha Stratford's death at 72

Married At First Sight's Mel Schilling has paid tribute to her former co-star Dr Trisha Stratford following her death at 72.

John Aiken announced on Monday that the neuropsychologist, who appeared as a relationship expert on the reality show’s first seven seasons, had sadly passed away.

Taking to Instagram shortly after the news broke, Mel shared a gallery of photos of herself and Trisha over the years and said she was “very sad” to learn of her passing.

“Trisha was a MAFS pioneer, the first person to introduce neuroscience to the experiment, not to mention her illustrious career as a researcher and academic,” she wrote.

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“Trisha taught me so much about neuroscience, the science of attraction and the interplay between our brains and our behaviour. I know she spent the final years of her life with her Great Love and I’m so pleased to know she was surrounded by love & support. Vale Dr Trisha.”

'So devastating'

Sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, who replaced Trisha when she decided to leave MAFS in 2021, shared a comment on Mel’s post saying she was “so sorry” for her loss.

“Such sad news! Keeping you and Trish's family in my thoughts and prayers. Mucho love,” she wrote.

A number of former MAFS participants also wrote comments on social media honouring Trisha, including Cam Merchant who said: “So devastating. So sorry to hear. Trish was so wonderful.”

“So sad. May she Rip,” Melinda Willis wrote, followed by season five’s Melissa Walsh who said, “She was a beautiful and smart woman and it’s a huge loss”

“It’s sad that the best are taken way too soon,” season seven groom Steve Burley shared, while season eight bride Aleksandra Marković added, “Very sad news”.

“This is actually so sad,” season six’s Lauren Huntriss replied. “My heartfelt condolences to Trish’s family and loved ones.”

Cyrell Paule also shared a tribute on her Instagram Story, writing: “Life is short. Appreciate those around you while they are with us. You just don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Create lasting memories.”

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