Emily in Paris is so back, but a curious dedication at the end of episode 10 has fans asking: Who was Diego Borella, and what happened to him?
The entire season dropped on December 18, and fans immediately cleared their schedules to binge every episode. So far, no one seems disappointed. Five seasons in, Emily in Paris is still serving up its signature mix of whimsy, style, and laugh-out-loud moments — proving the magic is very much alive.
Season 5 of Emily in Paris sees our plucky American heroine (played by Lily Collins) jet off to Rome, planning to spend six months with her new beau, Marcello. She seemingly leaves behind her on-off relationship with Gabriel (Lucas Bravo), as well as her favourite coworkers. But don't fret, we see plenty of the whole crew, including Mindy (Ashley Park) with her new beau. There's also newcomer Princess Jasmine (Minnie Driver) causing mayhem.
We won’t spoil all the juicy details just yet, but let’s just say hijinks ensue for everyone. The season wraps with enough romantic cliffhangers to make us want to shake Netflix until they spill the tea: Will there be a season 6 of Emily in Paris? And will it include wedding bells?
But just before the screen faded to black, the credits rolled and included one very specific name: Diego Borella. Fans are now asking: Who is he? What happened to Diego Borella? And why is he credited like this?
All will be revealed.
Meet the cast of Emily in Paris season 5.
Who was Diego Borella?
The season 5 finale ends with a dedication that reads: “In memory of Diego Borella.”
The tribute honours Diego Borella, a third assistant director on Emily in Paris, who tragically passed away in August at the age of 47 while filming season 5 in Italy. Not only did it happen during this period, but also at a filming location, impacting the cast and crew heavily.
Borella also worked on the Italian medical drama Doc – Nelle tue mani (In Your Hands), leaving behind a legacy in both Italian and international television.
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What happened to Diego Borella?
According to La Repubblica, on-site medics tried to resuscitate Diego Borella at Venice’s Hotel Danieli, where a scene was set to be filmed, but he tragically passed away on the spot from a sudden heart attack. It impacted the cast and crew heavily, who were with him at the time. They were deep into filming the new season in Italy.
Filming was temporarily paused, with Paramount Television Studios — which produces Emily in Paris for Netflix — releasing a statement:
"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."
At a recent press conference, creator Darren Star shared his thoughts on the tragedy, as reported by Radio Times:
"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. 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.”
A touching tribute to a talented artist whose legacy will be remembered by colleagues, fans, and the show itself.
