Warne's New Look Down To 'Love Not Surgery'

Cricketer Shane Warne has defended his new image after mounting speculation that he has cosmetically enhanced his appearance.

The Australian sportsman shrugged off suggestions his new girlfriend, actress and model Elizabeth Hurley, encouraged him to make some radical changes.

But he revealed the "radiant glow" of love might have something to do with it.

Speaking to 3AW radio station in his home city of Melbourne, the 42-year-old said he was displeased by the claims about him.

"I've seen media reports saying I've changed and I've had plastic surgery and all these different things, which has been really disappointing," Warne said.

"I think suddenly people see you with Elizabeth Hurley, they see you mixing with some of her friends... they suddenly think, 'Where's this Aussie guy who had a pie and a beer?' I still do that."

Warming to his theme, he insisted to the show's host Neil Mitchell: "I've never even had a consultation with a plastic surgeon.

"If I wanted to have one, I'd have no shame in saying, 'Well, I've been and had a look,' if I wanted to change it."

He said the transformation in his looks has come about through a health kick he started last October to get fitter for his TV show.

"I've lost around 10 or 12 kilos... I then had to play IPL (Indian Premier League) with 20-year-old kids and at 42 - a maturing 42-year-old - I thought, 'I actually want to get fit.'"

He went on: "Elizabeth hasn't got her high heels in the middle of my back going, 'Come on, you must do 100 push-ups' and 'You can't eat that'.

"I am in love with her... I think that probably gives off a radiant glow too.

"Being in love with somebody is a wonderful feeling. I am lucky to have met Elizabeth... we've met and we're having a great time.

"She's a lovely lady. We're going really well and it's easy with each other. It's a bit different in her world at times, an eye-opener at times, but we have a giggle about it sometimes."

The Sky Sports commentator said he has received legal advice over some of the reports, explaining: "I've got an issue at the moment with people doctoring photos."

He said: "Some of these articles have actually not put a wrinkle on my face, and as you can see I've actually got some wrinkles. I've got some legal advice on that."