Billie Piper is now an accomplished actress in the UK - she has immense charisma, and is currently starring in cult sci-fi series Doctor Who as the Doctor's assistant (now accompanying actor David Tennant as the Doctor). She's much more than just a young teen who had a few hits - she's grown up all lovely and talented. She's quite respected now. And divorced from Chris Evans, so she's finding her own path.
Now, the Guinevere Mert & Marcus edit.... yes, if M&M's work can be divided into 'sexy' and 'weird' - this is definitely a weird edit. I don't like it when M&M do weird - I live for the textured sexuality of their glam stuff. If you can remember an Angela Lindvall 'by the pool' edit from a distant issue of POP, that's the sort of work I love from M&M.
As for 'is POP an essential purchase'.... if money is no object, buy it. It's a thick issue, with lots of good models and top photographers. But for me, magazines are becoming so expensive all-round, that I am starting to think twice when I see new issues, and to ask myself 'is it worth it'.
In comparison to previous issues of POP (I've bought every once since the start), I'm not getting a sense of seeing anything new from this issue. It's good, but just not good enough. But it's definitely worth a look. Seek it out. Everyone knows that sometimes, one good editorial justifies the cost of buying an expensive mag. And there's so much in there, you could find something you love.