Billy Brownless says Shane Warne’s shock death was a wake-up call

Billy Brownless has revealed his health scare after Shane Warne’s shock death prompted him to visit the doctors.

Billy Brownless has told of his health wake-up call following the sudden death of cricket great Shane Warne.

The former Geelong star and Footy Show favourite went to doctors for a check-up and found a blockage in one of his arteries. He was then put on medication for high cholesterol.

“I went in with Jim (James Brayshaw), the Rush Hour boys, and we had a bit of a health check,’’ Brownless said.

“There was a bit of a blockage there in one of the arteries so I had to go back and have a stress test.

“That’s why you have the test for all those blokes out there — and I’m on tablets now for a bit of high cholesterol.

“It’s a wake-up call and I certainly recommend any male who’s got high cholesterol or blood pressure to go in and get it done.”

Warne passed away from a heart attack on March 4 at the age of 52.

Brownless said he had been forced to give up a favourite food but is still drinking alcohol in moderation.

Brownless got a wake-up call after Shane Warne’s sudden death. Picture: David Crosling

“No more bacon and that’s my favourite,’’ he said.

“You’ve got to try and look at what you’re doing. It was a reality check.

“I’m 55 and if it’s in the family you need to get checked.”

Brownless joined MAFS star Jessika Power on Tuesday at the launch of the Celebrity Slim low-calorie wine range at Entrecote. Brownless is next taking on a battle with the bulge as the new ambassador for IsoWhey Men’s Shake.

“My plan is just to keep going as I have been and then get to a certain weight and lose more with the shakes,’’ Brownless said.

“They’re not magic shakes, you need to do a bit more but it helps.”

Brownless said he has been looking after his son Oscar’s dog while he undergoes a knee reconstruction after playing footy in South Australia.

“He’s in Adelaide but unfortunately he’s done his knee and he’s got to have a reco and surgery and he’ll come back,’’ Brownless said.

“He’ll live with me through rehab. It’s a shame. It was disappointing to get cut there (at Geelong), the whole family went over round 1 and had a great time watching that and round 2 he did his knee.”