The glittering world of Emily in Paris is tinged with real-life sadness in its fifth season, which has just premiered on Netflix. The hit series includes a poignant memorial for a beloved member of its production family, assistant director Diego Borella, who tragically passed away during filming.
A Heartfelt On-Screen Tribute
At the conclusion of the final episode of the new season, viewers are met with a simple yet powerful title card. It reads: 'In memory of Diego Borella'. This tribute honours the 47-year-old Italian third assistant director, whose life was cut short in August 2025. The incident occurred in Venice while the crew was preparing to shoot a scene. According to reports from Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Borella collapsed in front of his colleagues. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the Hotel Danieli, he could not be saved.
Local news indicated that Borella suffered a sudden heart attack. In the wake of the tragedy, filming for the fifth season was temporarily halted. Paramount Television Studios, which produces the show for Netflix, expressed profound sorrow at the time. A representative stated they were "deeply saddened" by the sudden passing and extended their hearts to Borella's family and loved ones.
Remembering Diego Borella: A Creative Life
Diego Borella was far more than his role on the popular series. He was a highly regarded writer and director who had worked across Rome, London, and New York. His creative passions lay in writing poetry, fairy tales, and children's stories. His IMDb profile also shows he worked on the production team for the Italian series DOC - Nelle tue mani.
Close friend Mattia Berto paid a moving tribute to Borella in the Spanish newspaper El Mundo. "Diego had a great sense of humour, he was brilliant and very talented," Berto said. "His was a young interrupted life, so there are not many words. Just a great sadness." Fans have also flocked to Borella's Instagram page to leave condolences on his final post, highlighting the impact of his work and personality.
Emily's New Chapter in Season Five
Season five of Emily in Paris continues the story of marketing executive Emily Cooper, played by Lily Collins. This instalment is a tale of two cities, as Emily splits her time between Paris and Rome for a fresh business venture. Creator Darren Star explained the move was intended to "stay ahead of the audience" and demonstrate the show's "bigger footprint".
The narrative follows Emily's romance with dashing Italian fashion mogul Marcello, portrayed by Eugenio Franceschini. The pair relocate to Italy so Emily can spearhead a Rome office for her agency, Agence Grateau. Collins revealed that Marcello represents a new adventure for Emily, one where she might achieve a better work-life balance and "smile without condition".
Meanwhile, Lucas Bravo returns as Gabriel, Emily's on-again, off-again boyfriend, who must deal with the repercussions of his past choices. The central question of who Emily will ultimately choose remains a key plot point for viewers to discover as they stream the new season.
While the show delivers its signature blend of romance and fashion, the tribute to Diego Borella serves as a sombre reminder of the real people and profound loss behind the glamorous on-screen spectacle.
