Venice, Italy — Diego Borella, an assistant director for the anticipated fifth season of “Emily in Paris,” tragically passed away after collapsing on set at the iconic Hotel Danieli on Thursday evening. His death, reported around 7 p.m., led to an immediate pause in filming as local emergency personnel responded to the incident.

Paramount Television Studios officials confirmed Borella’s sudden passing, expressing their condolences in a statement. “We are deeply saddened to confirm the loss of a valued 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,” the spokesperson said.

Medical staff present on set attended to Borella, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary reports suggest he may have suffered a heart attack, emphasizing the suddenness of the event. Borella had joined the production team as a locally hired third assistant director and previously contributed to the medical drama “DOC – Nelle tue mani,” which aired in 2022.

Following the tragedy, production resumed on Saturday, allowing the cast and crew to continue their work. The fifth season had begun filming in Rome in May before transitioning back to Paris, with a short filming schedule in Venice marking the conclusion of production. Season five was confirmed in September and has generated excitement among fans, with the premiere date set for December 18.

During a recent interview, one of the show’s stars expressed optimism about the upcoming season, highlighting the experience of filming in Rome as a remarkable opportunity. “We’ve got a really terrific season coming up. Now we’re back in Paris, and Emily is definitely back in Paris,” the actor remarked.

“Emily in Paris,” a beloved comedy series on Netflix, continues to captivate audiences with its unique blend of romance and humor, set against the backdrop of European culture. As fans await the release of the new season, the team behind the series grapples with the sorrow of losing a cherished colleague while aiming to honor his memory through their work.