Hit Netflix series Emily In Paris has recommenced filming in Venice merely two days after the tragic collapse and death of the show’s assistant director, witnessed by shocked crew members. 

Diego Borella, 47, was involved in shooting the concluding scenes of the show’s fifth season in Venice when he suddenly collapsed, leaving crew members in disbelief.

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 had been temporarily halted. 

But on Saturday the show’s star Lily Collins was spotted out and about in Venice as filming appeared to resume.

Collins, 36, was seen leaving a building and boarding a boat with her Italian co-star, Eugenio Franceschini, surrounded by crew members.

Collins, who wore a colourful floral dress and hooped earrings, was carrying a water flask and appeared focussed.

She was seen on her phone before being helped into the boat by a male crew member, who passed her an umbrella he had been shielding her with.

Franceschini looked about him as he strolled along the Venice waterfront dressed in orange trousers, a burgundy polo shirt and pinkish suit jacket.

The pair were later seen onboard a gondola, filming a scene with two other actors. 

It came less than two days after the death of the show’s assistant director.

Borella, who hailed from Venice, was born in 1978 and was a distinguished director and writer, having trained in global cities such as Rome, London, and New York. 

According to his social media, he has successfully published fairy tales, haikus and plays.

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.

But this season, she is taking on a new city – and she looks more than a little loved-up in the first-look snaps.

According to the synopsis for season five: ‘Having taken the helm at Agence Grateau Rome, Emily encounters both professional and romantic hurdles while adjusting to a new urban life.’

‘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.

The creator of the show, Darren Star, commented: ‘This season is a Tale of Two Cities: Rome and Paris. Balancing both locations, 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.

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.

‘A very Venetian getaway,’ Collins, 36, wrote via on Saturday, August 16, sharing photos from the cast’s shoot on a water taxi in Venice. ‘When work becomes 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.