PICTURE: INSTAGRAM/ SHANNON ESRA
South African actress Shannon Esra will make a comeback on screens to reprise her legendary character, Sandra Stein, on the second season of Law, Love & Betrayal.
Sandra Stein first rose to fame in 2017, when she debuted on The Queen, and went on to crossover the character in several other Mzansi Magic soapies including The River, The Throne, Legacy and Gomora.
Shannon, alongside Sparky Xulu who will play social justice attorney Sakhile Nxusa, and Katlego Lebogang as criminal lawyer Bakang Mokgotso; will join the likes of Pearl Modiadie, Nimrod Nkosi and Anelisa Phewa in telling the story of the powerful Gumede family as their feud threatens the future of Gumede & Associates.
Shannon Esra has joined the cast of ‘Law, Love & Betrayal’ Season 2 and is set to reprise her popular TV character, Sandra Stein.
Season 2 premieres 8 March 2026 on Mzansi Magic at 8 pm and 9 March 2026 on Showmax. pic.twitter.com/irRJDujtBQ
— Jabulani Macdonald ⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) January 13, 2026
In a surprising turn of events, Dineo Rasedile, who played the lead role of Gugu in the first season, will not be returning.
Dineo Rasedile will not be returning for the second season of ‘Law, Love & Betrayal’ pic.twitter.com/oKrLkp052a
— Jabulani Macdonald ⚡️ (@Jabu_Macdonald) January 13, 2026
Mzansi Magic and Showmax have just released the first trailer for the second season, which returns from Sunday, March 8 at 8pm on Mzansi Magic and Monday, March 9 on Showmax.
In an interview with Mzansi Magic, Shannon shared how she was cast for the show.
“Christo Davids (series producer and director) and I had worked together on Legacy, where he was a director. So when he called and said, ‘Weird question … would you be interested in coming onto LLB for season 2 as Sandra Stein?’… of course, I said yes.
“During season 1, I had people on Twitter asking where Sandra was, so when Christo approached me, I gladly obliged. It felt almost inevitable – here you have this wonderful legal show, and we’re somehow ignoring this incredibly popular fan favourite.
“The fact that Sandra has lived in so many fictional worlds for as long as she has really shows there’s something utilitarian about her. She’s perfunctory, she’s brilliant, and there’s so much mystery and enigma behind her. I think that’s what people love. When the director called, I was relieved, then in disbelief. I’m incredibly grateful,” she said.
Also see: Pearl Modiadie on playing a badass lawyer in Law, Love and Betrayal