This is Brigitte Zonta, the new MAFS Australia expert replacing Mel Schilling

If anyone is irreplaceable, it's Mel Schilling. But I understand that they need a new expert for Married at First Sight Australia. And it seems they have found one. Because after the passing of the beloved MAFS expert Mel Schilling for the first time a new face has been added to the expert team. According to Australian media, it concerns Brigitte Zonta, also known as Dr Lurve. We don't know her yet, but the chance is high that this will change in 2027.

Brigitte Zonta would therefore join John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla for the fourteenth season of MAFS Australia. Curious about who will participate in the new season? We have listed [all participants and couples of MAFS Australia 2027] for you. The recordings of the new season have already started in Sydney and the series is scheduled for 2027.

By the way: Nine has not yet officially confirmed her arrival, but I am reading about it everywhere.

Who is Brigitte Zonta?

Brigitte Zonta is an Australian psychologist and relationship coach. She has a Master of Coaching Psychology from the University of Sydney and a postgraduate diploma in psychology from the University of Wollongong. Additionally, she has a bachelor's degree in Social Science (Psychology) and has undergone training in the Gottman Method for relationship and couples therapy.

Zonta has not only focused on relationships in her work. She is also involved in psychological assessments, coaching, and various forms of therapy. At her own practice Sanare Wellness, she is listed as Principal Psychologist.

But those looking for her in the field of love and dating will quickly come across another name.

Brigitte Zonta is also Dr Lurve

Because Brigitte Zonta is known to many as Dr Lurve. That sounds perfect for a new expert at MAFS Australia.

Under that name, she presents herself as a relationship coach and dating expert. She also focuses on singles looking for love, couples wanting to improve their relationship, and people who primarily want to gain more insight into themselves and their relationships. Sounds like a perfect match. Her professional profile describes her work as a combination of relationship coaching, psychology, and personal development.

This combination makes her a striking choice for Married at First Sight Australia. After all, the program is not just about whether two people find each other attractive, but precisely about communication, patterns, expectations, and how people interact with each other.

A psychologist with a considerable dose of love and wellness

Zonta has her own vision of psychology. In an interview about her practice Sanare Wellness, she mentioned that she sees room for other forms of wellness and personal development alongside traditional psychology. Her practice combines psychology and coaching with various complementary approaches.

For her work with couples, she uses the Gottman Method, among other things. She has completed Clinical Training Levels 1 and 2 for this.

That may sound a lot more serious than the average MAFS dinner party, but that's where it gets interesting.

Brigitte Zonta becomes the new MAFS Australia expert

I read in various Australian media that Zonta has been signed for the new season of Married at First Sight Australia. She would therefore join our own and trusted experts John Aiken and Alessandra Rampolla at the table.

This concerns season 14 of the Australian reality series, which will be broadcast in 2027. The recordings are currently taking place in Sydney.

And although it is written that Zonta replaces Mel Schilling, the production emphasizes that this does not mean she literally has to take her place.

Because no one can replace Mel, and that would not be the intention. Zonta would bring her own voice, energy, and way of connecting with the participants to the program.

Who replaces Mel Schilling at MAFS Australia?

That is Brigitte Zonta, if the current reports are correct.

Mel Schilling was for years one of the most recognizable faces of MAFS Australia. She has been part of the expert team since 2016 and became beloved for her direct yet empathetic way of advising.

Schilling passed away on March 24, 2026, at the age of 54 from [colon cancer], ABC News Australia reports. This will not be easy for Brigitte Zonta either, but I hope we viewers can separate this from Mel.

This will not be easy for Brigitte Zonta either, but I hope we viewers can separate this from Mel.

What can we expect from Dr Lurve at MAFS?

We will only really know when the new season starts. But her background already gives a small hint.

But Zonta works with relationships, dating, and personal development and has a psychological background. In all the reports about her arrival, she is described as someone who can put participants at ease but can also confront them when they are not entirely honest about their behavior or feelings.

Sounds perfect, right?

With John Aiken, Alessandra Rampolla, and now possibly Brigitte Zonta, MAFS at least gets an interesting new expert triangle.

Dr Lurve is coming to MAFS.

When does MAFS Australia 2027 start?

The fourteenth season of Married at First Sight Australia is currently being filmed and is scheduled for 2027. As I read, the premiere is expected in February 2027.

Until then, we will probably see quite a few names, couples, and spoilers come by. The first reports about the participants and the new experts have already been released.