04 October 2026
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The chef in tears: “A friend is leaving.”
The Table
By Helen Ashworth, The Canon desk · 5d ago · Italy · 3 min ·

The chef in tears: “A friend is leaving.”

The media spotlight is once again on Alessandro Borghese: only today did the chef's profound grief over the loss of a dear friend become clear. A sudden loss that has profoundly affected him.

Throughout his career, Alessandro Borghese has always been a key figure on Italian television, especially in the culinary sector, which has always been closely linked to the world of entertainment.

It's not uncommon, in fact, to see him featured in interviews and programs that showcase him in his most authentic guise: that of a brilliant and charismatic chef, capable of bringing cuisine to television like a true showman. He recently returned to prime time with his popular program 4 Ristoranti, once again captivating audiences.

This time, however, it's not a television success that's making people talk about him, but painful news: the farewell to a very important person in his life, a friend who disappeared suddenly, snatched from life too soon.

Alessandro Borghese suffers terrible grief: "An immense pain."

Over the years, Alessandro Borghese has learned to share a lot of himself with fans, including through social media. He has never hidden his deep affection for his father, Luigi, to whom he was very close, often recalling how it was he who instilled in him his passion for cooking and motorsports, two great loves that remain with him to this day.

Not long ago, however, the chef wanted to dedicate a special thought to another person very dear to him: a friend with whom he shared unforgettable moments of life and career, who sadly passed away after a long illness.

Borghese, visibly moved, spoke about her openly, without holding back tears, recalling the unique bond that united them, made of esteem, affection, and sincere friendship.

“A friend who leaves…”

Borghese's words for his great friend Paola Marella, architect and beloved face of the Real Time channel, will remain etched in the memory of Borghese's fans, and beyond. As reported by Abruzzo.Cityrumors.it, Alessandro Borghese was among the few well-known faces present at Marella's funeral.

Speaking to reporters with great emotion, Boghese remembered Paola Marella with affection and gratitude: "We started together many years ago on Real Time. We were, in a way, traveling companions and pioneers of this new television program that, between the worlds of real estate and cooking, took off twenty years ago. It's a friend who's gone. Goodbye, Paola."

A sudden farewell, which leaves a huge void in the hearts of the chef and in those of all who knew and loved her.

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