Match of the Day presenter is now studying to become a witch after developing interest

A former Match of the Day presenter is now studying to become a witch after developing a fascination with the dark arts.

Adrian Chiles used to present Match of the Day 2 and Sundays, while he was also a regular host for the One Show on the BBC.

In addition, the 57-year-old was the anchor for ITV's coverage of England games, including major tournaments, until his departure in January 2015.

Chiles still works for BBC Radio 5 Live but in a recent column for The Guardian, admitted to a surprise new interest.

Having been traumatised by witches, primarily because of The Wizard of Oz, Chiles has now changed his tune after going into a shop which specialises in witch supplies.

He bought a £12 book called 'Basic Witches' by Jaya Saxena and Jess Zimmerman, from the store and conversed with Juliet, the woman behind the counter.

Image: Getty

“I passed a shop for witches," Chiles wrote.

"Witchy Supplies, it said on the sign. I did a double take...(and) risked another drive past and, yes, there it was, The Wicklow Witch. Candles, Crystals, Witchy Supplies.

"Later, I mentioned this place to a couple of friends who live and work in that area and they looked at me funny. What? A witches' supply shop? In Colley Gate? Are you sure?" I wondered if I'd dreamed it. So when I collected the car, I risked another drive past and, yes, there it was. The Wicklow Witch. Candles, Crystals, Witchy Supplies.

"There, behind the counter, was the witch herself. I asked her if there were many witches, here in the Halesowen area.

"'You'd be surprised,' she said. Actually, I wouldn't. I don't think anything is ever going to surprise me again. I've been decidedly anti-witch ever since I was scared half to death 50 years ago by that nasty piece of work in 'The Wizard of Oz'. I'm thankful to this witch, the delightful Juliet O'Brien, for putting me right on a few things, not least that proper witches don't do bad things because they know such behaviour will only come back and haunt them."

Image: Getty

Chiles feels as though his eyes have been opened and now believes witches are a positive thing.

He's so infatuated in this new world that he plans on buying some crystals.

He added: "Witches are a force only for good. I've been reading up on them in a book I bought from Juliet called 'Basic Witches' and I'm liking what I'm finding. I'm going back soon to pick up some crystals, seriously."