THEY seemed most unlikely pop stars.

In the seventies, singing duo Mick Foster and Tony Allen were playing in country music bands around their native Ireland and fame seemed a long way away.

The turning point came at the end of 1978 when they released the single A Bunch of Thyme in Ireland and it was their first number one single.

It was not long before their success spread across the United Kindgom and a string of other hits followed including After All These Years, Old Flames and I Will Love You All My Life.

Foster & Allen became household names and while they were touring in the United States they were told to fly back and appear on BBC TV’S Top of The Pops.

The duo have released more than 30 albums and 13 vidoes/DVDs – all of which have entered the British charts.

As well as the UK, Foster & Allen have toured the USA, Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Tasmania.

Now they are celebrating their 40th anniversary with a UK tour which kicks off at Fareham’s Ferneham Hall tomorrow night.

Their latest single is Mrs Brown's Boys, a tribute to the TV sitcom created by and starring Irish writer and performer Brendan O'Carroll.

Sixty four year-old Tony Allen’s whole life revolves around music and he has a recording studio where all the major acts in Ireland record their albums.

Ahead of Foster & Allen’s Ferneham Hall gig Tony spoke to Duncan Eaton

Q: You are celebrating your 40 th anniversary. What has been the secret of such a long running musical career?

A: I think we both like what we do. That’s very important in our business.

Q: Has there been a point when you thought of going your separate ways?

A: No. Foster & Allen is where both of us want to be.

Q: You are starting your UK tour at Ferneham Hall, Fareham. Have you played there before?

A: Yes we have been there before .It is always nice to come back to nice places to play again.

Q: What sort of venues do you enjoying playing at?

A: Somewhere that looks after the people in the show and the people who come to the shows as well.

Q: What has been the high and low point of your career.

A: Can’t remember any low point. High point – Tops of the Pops.

Q: You are always busy on tour. Do you enjoy being on the road?

A: Yes I love touring. Travelling and the live concerts.

Q: Do the ages of the audience vary?

A: Sometimes. But lately we are getting a younger audience which is nice.

Q: How do you keep fit and relax between touring?

A: I don’t keep fit. On tour I watch TV when I am not working.

Q: Did you always want to be a musician and when did you start playing the accordion?

A: I always wanted to be a musician. I started playing the accordion when I was young but I have not played for years. I leave that to Mick Foster now.

Q: You are the youngest of nine children and how many have had musical careers?

A: Two of my brothers have musical careers. Jack is part time and Tom, better known as TR Dallas, is a full time country singer.

Q: Did you think A Bunch of Thyme would be such a big hit?

A: I always knew it would be a hit in Ireland but never thought it would be as big as it turned out to be.

Q: What was it like to be on Tops of the Pops?

A: Amazing. I loved Top of the Pops. Watched it every week. I just could not believe it when we got into it.

Q: Which musicians have inspired you most

A: Hard to say. I think watching the show bands in Ireland in the sixties.

Q: Any unfulfilled ambitions?

A: Not really. I’ve had a wonderful career. Few more hits may be.

Q: What is your favourite meal?

A: A good breakfast.

For tickets, call 01329 231942 or visit fernehamhall.co.uk