It shows how far they can really go, not just romantically but platonically as well. You want your relationship with your scene partner to be secure enough to depend on that person, and having that moment with really secured our positions. A lot of the time when you film things that require so much vulnerability, no matter how close you are with someone, it's scary because you're unzipping your emotions and thoughts. It was beautiful because it allowed Peyton and I to continue to build out a relationship where can depend on each other as actors. From your perspective, what is going through Simone's head? The pressure explodes in a very emotional scene with Damon. We don't know what's going to be in store for Jordan and Simone's futures, whether together or apart. That's what growing up really is, it's making certain decisions that are going to benefit you in the long run. They are different, and a lot of the times, what we need to do is not always comfortable. Why do you think Simone ultimately decides breaking up is the right choice? This is years of working with this person, depending on him and supporting each other through the emotional trials of acting. It was nerve wracking for us because we're not going to working together as much anymore. We know people love Jordan and Simone together and everything they have overcome. Not just to each other's arcs, but to All American.

Michael and I were both in our heads about the breakup scene because we know how pivotal the characters are. What was shooting that emotional scene about Simone and Jordan's relationship with Michael like? We'll definitely see a little shift in Simone in terms of how she processes and navigates the new relationships she has with all of these people. Then her seeing a different dynamic between Layla and Jordan, because before she left, Layla was her maid of honor and Jordan was the love of her life. So her coming back to the world of All American and experiencing home and Jordan in a different way plays a big part. On top of that, she's experiencing big girl things when it comes to jobs, handling her emotions, making adult decisions. Simone is a young adult now and she's gone through mental health issues in terms of her anxiety and panic attacks, which she has to tackle. Did you play her differently, given her growth at Bringston? Simone is returning home after some time at college. It's my family, you know what I mean? This universe is just really special and I was coming home. GEFFRI MAYA: It was an amazing experience because it's where I started. Read on for EW's interview with Maya about returning to All American, that emotional scene with Damon, the big breakup, and more.ĮNTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: What was it like to return to All American and reunite with the cast? It takes an emotional ceremony with Nathaniel Hardin (Rhoyle Ivy King) for Simone to begin working through her breakup. Initially she says she's fine and tries to push through, but the heartbreak has an impact on most areas of her life, including tennis. Returning from Los Angeles single, Simone mourns her relationship on the newest episode of All American: Homecoming. At the end of the episode, Simone breaks up with Jordan in a letter after an emotional conversation where the young couple is very honest about how they've grown apart. The emotional entanglement she has with Damon back at school is what she sees in Layla and Jordan, even if Jordan doesn't.

While she gets to see Spencer James (Daniel Ezra), Olivia Baker (Samantha Logan) and Layla Keating (Greta Onieogou), the shift she has felt in her relationship with Jordan Baker (Michael Evans Behling) takes up a large chunk of the trip home. In need of a break from Bringston University - mainly Damon Sims ( Peyton Alex Smith) - Simone heads back to see her friends and boyfriend on the west coast for fall break on the latest episode of All American. Simone Hicks ( Geffri Maya) had a hell of a trip back to Los Angeles. Warning: This story contains spoilers for the latest episodes of All American and All American Homecoming.

Geffri maya