Retired teacher John Gill says he owes his life to a mystery shopper who learned hands-only CPR off the telly from screen hard man Vinnie Jones.
When John collapsed in Tesco's, in Hamilton, a man simply known as Mr Khan, sprang into action.
John, 68, of Old Humberstone, Leicester, said: "I just came over dizzy and collapsed. Apparently, I was out for two or three minutes.
"The next thing I knew was I was lying on my back, feeling terribly hot and the gentleman was pumping my chest.
"There is no doubt that I owe my life to Mr Khan and the fact he was prepared to act after seeing Vinnie's advert for the British Heart Foundation.
"I and my family cannot thank him enough."
Mr Gill was taken to Glenfield Hospital for treatment and had a pacemaker fitted later in the day, but only after he suffered a second cardiac arrest while in hospital.
The campaign screened a year ago featured former Wimbledon and Chelsea star Jones as a gangster reviving a hapless victim to the Bee Gees' hit, Stayin' Alive.
The British Heart Foundation say that 28 lives, including John's, have been saved so far by the campaign
Now John is featuring in a follow-up promotion with Jones and other heart attack survivors.
The incident happened in February and John decided to contact the charity to tell them of his experience.
Eventually, he was invited to London with his wife Jane for a photo-shoot.
He said: "I was 68 on October 11 when I met Vinnie, who is really charming, despite his hard man image
"I was delighted to take part in the new advertising campaign. I have to play the hard man too, complete with cashmere coat, and I have to deliver the line 'Sweet'."
He will also appear in posters alongside Jones.
He said: "Basically, I would urge people to act quickly and not to simply hold the hand of someone who has collapsed. Pump their chest instead."
John managed to contact Mr Khan shortly after the incident, but he felt his saviour was very modest about what he did and was reluctant to be considered a hero.
He said: "I would like to talk to him again to express my gratitude."
