Who was Diego Borella? Emily in Paris tribute explained

Hit Netflix comedy-drama Emily in Paris has returned for its fifth season – and it's as drama-filled as ever.

The new episodes see Emily – now head of Agence Grateau Rome – adjusting to life in a new city and "professional and romantic challenges".

"But just as everything falls into place, a work idea backfires, and the fallout cascades into heartbreak and career setbacks," the official synopsis reads, teasing "a big secret [that] threatens one of her closest relationships".

But it wasn't business as usual on the set of season 5, following the loss of crew member Diego Borella, whom the show paid tribute to at the end of episode 10.

Who was Diego Borella?

Diego Borella was a third assistant director on Emily in Paris.

He also worked on the Italian medical drama Doc – Nelle tue mani (In Your Hands).

What happened to Diego Borella?

Borella died on the set of Emily in Paris season 5 in August this year. He was 47.

According to La Repubblica, on-site medics attempted to resuscitate him at Venice's Hotel Danieli, where a scene was due to be filmed, but he died at the scene after "a sudden heart attack".

Filming was temporarily suspended, with Paramount Television Studios — which produces the show for Netflix — sharing the following statement with multiple outlets:

"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."

Speaking about the tragedy at a recent press conference, creator Darren Star said:

"We were all there when it happened. We were filming that day — it came at the very, very end of our filming. And I think it hit us very hard because it was tragic and shocking and sad. And he was part of our Italian crew, and he was part of our family of the show.

"And we really, I think, pride ourselves that we feel like a family. So it was a real loss."

Star added that Borella's memory would "live on with the show and in all of our hearts because he was part of the Emily in Paris family."

Emily in Paris season 5 is available to watch now on Netflix.

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