Peter Joseph Egan born 28 September 1946 is a British actor known for his TV roles including Hogarth in Big Breadwinner Hog the future King George IV of the United Kingdom in Prince Regent 1979 smooth neighbour Paul Ryman in the sitcom Ever Decreasing Circles 198489 and Hugh Shrimpie MacClare Marquess of Flintshire in Downton Abbey 201215 He is married to retired actress Myra Frances Egan was born in Hampstead London the son of Doris née Pick and Michael Thomas Egan who is of Irish descent12 He was educated at St Georges Roman Catholic Comprehensive School Maida Vale He also attended the London Oratory School and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art Wikipedia