Diego Borella, the assistant director of hit Netflix show Emily In Paris, has died during filming of its fifth series in Venice.
Borella, 47, is said to have collapsed in front of the horrified crew while preparing to shoot the final scenes of the upcoming season.
Medics rushed to the historic Hotel Danieli in the city at around 7pm on Thursday, but were unable to save him, La Repubblica reports.
The paper adds it is believed Borella died from a heart attack.
It is understood that following the tragedy, filming for Emily in Paris has been temporarily halted.
Borella, who was born in Venice in 1978, was a talented director and writer, honing his skills in various global cities such as Rome, London, and New York.
According to his social media, he has successfully published fairy tales, haikus and plays.
Emily In Paris’ assistant director Diego Borella (pictured) has reportedly died during filming of the hit Netflix show in Venice
It comes after Emily In Paris announced that season five will be released by Netflix on December 18
Filming for the fifth series of Emily in Paris began in Venice on August 15 and had been due to be completed on Monday.
It comes after Netflix announced that season five will be released on December 18.
Spanish newspaper El Mundo reports Borella was pronounced dead at 7.30pm after resuscitation attempts failed.
Longtime friend Mattia Berto said: ‘I have fond memories of Diego; he was a handsome, elegant boy with a lot of style.
‘The last time we saw each other was at a dinner in Paris with his best friend and mine, whom I called on Thursday: she was devastated.
‘Diego had a great sense of humor, was brilliant, and very talented. His is a young life cut short, so there aren’t many words. Just great sadness.’
Starring Lily Collins, 36, as Emily Cooper, the season of Emily in Paris will be set in a new city, Rome, as she continues her European adventure.
The show follows the life and loves of American Emily after beginning a new life in Paris as a social media strategist.
Borella, 47, is said to have collapsed in front of the horrified crew while preparing to shoot the final scenes of the upcoming season.
Borella was also a writer and has published several works including books of haikus
But this season, she is taking on a new city, Rome – and she looks more than a little loved-up in the first-look snaps
But this season, she is taking on a new city – and she looks more than a little loved-up in the first-look snaps.
The synopsis for the fifth season states: ‘Now leading Agence Grateau in Rome, Emily encounters professional and romantic hurdles as she navigates her new life in the 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.
According to Darren Star, the show’s creator, ‘This season unfolds as a Tale of Two Cities: Rome and Paris. With a foot in each city, Emily elevates her experiences in love and life.’
News of the latest season’s release date comes after an open casting call for extras in Venice.
In series five, Emily is to take a romantic trip to Venice with handsome Marcello Muratori, played by Eugenio Franceschini.
Lily Collins posted pictures of herself in a tomato-print sundress on one of Venice’s famous water taxis over the weekend
Filming locations this week will include the Hotel San Daniele, the Santi Giovanni and Paolo basilica and the Grand Canal.
Lily Collins posted pictures on Instagram of herself in a tomato-print sundress on one of Venice’s famous water taxis over the weekend.
On Saturday, August 16, Collins, 36, remarked, ‘A very Venetian getaway,’ as she posted photos from the cast’s shoot on a water taxi in Venice, capturing the moment when work feels like play.’
Emily was left with a decision at the end of series four, as she was offered the position of the lead of the Italian Agence Grateau office.
Despite falling in love with Paris and the agency, Emily admitted she was tempted by a new life – with a new man – in Rome.
Netflix has been contacted for comment.
