Who was Diego Borella? Emily in Paris tribute explained

Emily in Paris is back with season 5, with all 10 episodes available to watch now on Netflix.

The new instalment sees our titular American heroine (Lilly Collins) heading up the Rome office for Agence Grateau, while also settling into domestic life with her new beau, Marcello.

However, in typical Emily in Paris fashion, the honeymoon phase doesn’t last long and chaos soon ensues for everyone, with the season ending with loads of cliffhangers.

And the plot isn’t the only thing that’s left fans with questions. Just before the credits rolled at the end of episode 10, a dedication appeared that read: "In memory of Diego Borella."

So, who is Diego Borella? And why did Emily in Paris pay tribute to him?Read on for everything you need to know about Borella.

Who was Diego Borella?

Diego Borella was a third assistant director on Emily in Paris, who passed away in August while filming season 5 in Italy.

Borella 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."

He continued: "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."

Read more:

• Has Emily in Paris been renewed for season 6?
• Emily in Paris creator reveals why key character hasn't returned for season 5 - and why "fun Gabriel" is now back

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

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