Adrian Szymaniak, who found love with his wife Anita on the Polish edition of Married at First Sight, has died at the age of 39 following a battle with brain cancer.
The reality television personality passed away on September 5 after being diagnosed with grade four glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain tumour, in July 2025.
Mr Szymaniak and Anita first met when they were paired together on the third series of the Polish dating programme in 2018.
Their on-screen romance blossomed into a lasting relationship and the couple went on to have two children together.
Adrian Szymaniak has died aged 39 following a battle with brain cancer
|
ADRIAN SZYMANIAK/INSTAGRAM
His wife confirmed the news of his death on Instagram, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and friends who had followed his year-long fight against the disease.
Doctors discovered the aggressive tumour just over a year before his death and Mr Szymaniak immediately began an intensive course of treatment.
He underwent surgery as well as both radiotherapy and chemotherapy in an effort to combat the cancer.
Supporters rallied behind the television star, raising more than £500,000 to fund his care.
The Married at First Sight star was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour last year
|
ADRIAN SZYMANIAK/INSTAGRAM
The donations enabled him to access a privately funded therapy known as TTFields, which would not otherwise have been available to him.
Despite these efforts, the glioblastoma repeatedly returned.
During his final weeks, Mr Szymaniak received constant nursing care at home as his health declined, surrounded by those closest to him.
His death came little more than fourteen months after the initial diagnosis that had shaken his family and fanbase alike.
Announcing his passing, Anita wrote: “With great pain we inform that Adrian has passed away.
“In these extremely difficult moments, what matters most to us is silence, closeness and the chance to say goodbye to him among those nearest to him.”
She appealed for the family’s grief not to be turned into media coverage or used to generate content, asking instead for space to bid farewell to her husband “with love, dignity and silence”.
Anita also requested well-wishers refrain from sending personal messages, calls or condolences during this period, stressing the family’s need for quiet and privacy.
The couple had renewed their wedding vows in December 2025, just months after his diagnosis.
Throughout his illness, Mr Szymaniak had been candid about his experience on social media, using his platform to offer encouragement to others facing similar battles.
In one post, he wrote: “I share my story because I have no other options, but also because I believe it can give someone hope.”
He added: “Instead of the daily sadness and regret, I choose to be grateful for every day. Instead of being helpless, I choose to fight and plan for the future.”
Adrian and Anita went on to welcome two children after meeting on the dating show
|
ADRIAN SZYMANIAK/INSTAGRAM
His funeral took place on Wednesday in Żołędowo, where family and friends gathered to pay their respects.
Among those mourning was close friend Piotr Kęsik, who delivered a moving tribute.
“Today we say goodbye to a good man. Adrian was joyful, honest, cheerful, loyal,” he said.
He added: “I want to cry, but he probably wouldn’t have wanted that.”