Hey there Douganddinsdale,
Thanks for reaching out to Apple Support Communities. I understand you’re having an issue with Messages after the most recent update. I’ll be happy to help.
Force quit the Messages app and restart your iPhone:
How to force an app to close on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Restart your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
See if Messages looks as expected then. If it doesn’t, back up your iPhone and reinstall iOS using the steps from these links:
How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
If you can't update or restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
Let me know if this helps.