The Young and the Restless spoilers reveal a fan favorite could be on the verge of an exit, and this would flip the worlds of many characters on canvas. With that said, an interesting hint during the Thursday, April 24 episode seems to suggest that Y&R viewers need to brace for tragedy.

Is Cole Howard Sick?

The Young and the Restless spoilers for the April 24 show remind fans that Cole Howard (J. Eddie Peck) had a coughing fit, which could signal that he’s seriously ill.

Especially when he tried to downplay the entire thing while sharing a meal with Victoria Newman (Amelia Heinle) and Claire Newman (Hayley Erin).

He told his two favorite ladies that the coughing was likely from allergies or a small virus he picked up from traveling so much, but it could be far worse than Cole imagined. Is he in the dark about this, or is Cole in the know and hiding something?

Is An Exit On Its Way?

Regardless, there is nothing more heartbreaking and shocking than a soap character learning they have a fatal illness. Cole is expendable, but in the orbit of two major characters.

As such, the idea of Claire having to deal with losing her dad when she just found him, and Vicky losing the love of her life after just reuniting, would not only bring on the tears – it would bring on the drama, too!

In addition, the show has written Vicky and Cole’s romance into a corner: their relationship is boring, but he’s been pumped up as the “perfect” man – the one that *almost* got away.

The little family coming back together after Claire was rescued from Aunt Jordan (Colleen Zenk) was very endearing.

So, Cole having a ‘fatal illness’ storyline would open the door for an incredible arc between Cole, Vicky, and Claire, and create an opportunity for Victoria to be single (and ready to mingle at some point) again.

Is Cole being killed off on the show? Join the conversation in the comments section. Catch CBS soap daily to see what happens next and visit CTS often for the best Young and the Restless updates, news, and spoilers.