The glitzy world of Emily in Paris is no stranger to drama and spectacle, but recent events on set have taken an unexpected and somber turn. Fans have been eagerly anticipating the next season, but now the production is dealing with a tragedy that has left the entire team shaken.
On August 21, 2025, Diego Borella, a 47-year-old assistant director, tragically passed away during filming in Venice. While filming a pivotal scene at the iconic Hotel Danieli, Borella suddenly collapsed. Despite the swift intervention of emergency medical responders, he was declared dead at the scene, with initial reports suggesting the cause of death to be a heart attack.
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News of Borella’s death has reverberated across the entertainment industry, especially within the Emily in Paris production team, who were deeply affected by the loss of one of their own.
A spokesperson for Paramount Television Studios issued a brief statement, expressing their heartfelt condolences: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the sudden passing of a member of the Emily in Paris production family. Our hearts go out to the individual’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
A well-regarded assistant director with a distinguished career in both Italy and internationally, Borella was known for his professionalism and his ability to bring stories to life behind the scenes.
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Borella’s death occurred while filming on the scenic streets of Venice, with production taking place in one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. According to Italian reports, he collapsed suddenly while preparing for the filming of an important scene.
Although paramedics arrived quickly and performed life-saving measures, they were unable to revive him. The production crew was visibly shaken as they processed the loss of a colleague and friend, who had worked on numerous high-profile projects.
Details surrounding the exact cause of his death have not been fully confirmed, but local authorities believe a heart attack may have been to blame. Despite this, the filming of Emily in Paris was halted immediately after the incident, with production put on pause to allow the cast and crew time to grieve.
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However, within days of the incident, production resumed on August 23, 2025. The decision to continue filming reflects the show’s desire to honor the memory of Borella, whose contribution to the project will never be forgotten.
While the loss of Borella has shaken the cast and crew, the show must go on. Fans of Emily in Paris are eagerly awaiting the fifth season, which will be largely based in Italy. As Emily (played by Lily Collins) embarks on a new chapter in Rome, fans are excited for her to navigate the challenges of both work and love.
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In an official release, Emily in Paris teased the new season with an exciting synopsis:
“Now the head of Agence Grateau Rome, Emily faces professional and romantic challenges as she adapts to life in a new city. But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks. Seeking stability, Emily leans into her French lifestyle until a big secret threatens one of her closest relationships. Tackling conflict with honesty, Emily emerges with deeper connections, renewed clarity, and a readiness to embrace new possibilities.”
Borella’s career was marked by his dedication to his craft. A versatile professional, Borella worked not only in Italy but also across Europe and the United States. His passion for storytelling extended beyond his work in film; he also enjoyed creating poetry and writing fairy tales, which was just one of the many aspects of his creative life that those close to him admired.
In the new season of Emily in Paris, Lily Collins returns as Emily Cooper, joined once again by Ashley Park as Mindy Chen, Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as Sylvie.
The upcoming season will also feature the return of Bruno Gouery (Luc), William Abadie (Antoine), Lucien Laviscount (Alfie), Samuel Arnold (Julien), and Eugenio Franceschini (Marcello).
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends of Diego Borella during this difficult time. He will be warmly remembered by all who had the privilege of working with him through the years.
