Mel Schilling, the relationship expert from Married At First Sight, has announced that she is cancer-free after undergoing surgery to remove a tumour from her colon. The 51-year-old TV personality shared the good news on her Instagram account, where she posted a picture of herself smiling in a hospital bed.

Mel revealed that she was diagnosed with colon cancer in October, after experiencing some symptoms that she initially dismissed as stress-related. She said that she was shocked and scared by the diagnosis, but decided to fight the disease with a positive attitude and the support of her family, friends and fans.

She underwent surgery on December 18, and was relieved to find out that the cancer had not spread to other organs. She said that she was grateful for the successful operation and the excellent care she received from the NHS staff.

"Everyone from my consultant to the surgical team and especially the wonderful nurses managing my recovery have been just superb," she wrote. "It's not just their professionalism but also their genuine concern, bedside manner (especially the nurses) and their endlessly sunny disposition, despite working up to 14 hour days."

She also thanked her fans for their messages of love and encouragement, and urged them to get regular check-ups and screenings for colon cancer. She said that she was looking forward to returning to her normal life and work, and that she hoped to inspire others who are facing similar challenges.

"I'm feeling very lucky and optimistic about the future," she said. "I hope that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness and help others who are going through this. Remember, you are not alone, and you can beat this."